The Mardasson Monument, just down the road from Bastogne Historical Center, was erected in 1950 by the Belgian people and government. It was originally conceived by the Belgo-American society, which was first established in 1945 when the country was liberated from the invading German armies.
The monument was built specifically to honor the American role in liberating Belgium. Because so many American lives were lost at Bastonge, the area surrounding the Bastogne Historical Center serves as an ideal backdrop for a monument honoring the American war effort in Belgium.
While thousands of American servicemen were stationed in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, General George S. Patton is often viewed as the final hero of the battle. His Third Army arrived to assist the surrounded American servicemen, finally driving the German army back and freeing Bastogne.
A monument to Patton was constructed in the Cemetery Henri-Chapelle, where nearly 8,000 American servicemen are buried. The monument was dedicated in 1963; though the general himself died in 1945, this monument was unveiled and dedicated by Patton's grandson. The general is buried in Hamm, Luxembourg, about 80 miles from Bastogne.
General Anthony McAuliffe was the acting commander of most of the forces that defended the city of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. He is famous for his reply to the German demand for surrender of the surrounded and outnumbered American forces: "Nuts!"
After the war, the central town square of Bastogne was renamed after McAuliffe to honor his bravery and command. At one corner of the square now stands an American Sherman tank that took part in the battle to defend Bastogne, meant to honor the American soldiers who fought there. A bust of General McAuliffe also sits in the square; he inaugurated the monument himself in 1947. McAuliffe was conferred the title of honorary citizen of Bastogne in 1947 for his brave actions.
