Hi,
Weird threadtitle huh ... was trying to fit everything in there and keep it readable

Some of you know me already, others don't.
Let's just say I'm a thankfull 33 year old European that will never forget what you did and still are doing for us. If it weren't for you, I would probably be speaking German and eating frankfurters all day every day

I've also "adopted" (that's what it's called I think) an American grave here in Belgium of a fallen hero from the second world war.

Now, I'll be visiting Miami , FL from 5 to 14 november 2009 and I was wondering if there are any visits I can do while I'm there.

I'm thinking war memorials, veteran centers or anything. I would just do a quick visit and drop in with a bunch of Belgian chocolates or a good bottle of French wine or whatever they'd like over there.

Any tips ?
thanx
Bart,
Antwerp, Belgium

Welcome Belgium,
Belgian chocolates and French wine are always welcome!

Hey Belgium, you may want to check for local National Guard Armories. Many of these have family resource centers that look for contributions to a food pantry which helps families of deployed Guard Units.
Nice to see you still honor the sacrifice fo the troops who fought the Nazis!
Have a great time in sunny Florida!

A Veterans hospital would make a good stop to deliver your gifts too..
Maybe even find a guy who was in Belgium in 1944.
Thank you.

belgianwolfie, I've visited your beautiful country several times during the mid 50s, mid 60s and early 70s.

My only caution is; PLEASE DON'T JUDGE THE USA BY MIAMI. They are two vey different worlds.

I would recommend that you visit Kennedy Space Center and take a guided tour of the Everglades. You could visit Disney World but that's not America or real either.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable visit.

Keep us posted,

quote:

I've also "adopted" (that's what it's called I think) an American grave here in Belgium of a fallen hero from the second world war

I thank you for taking care of one of our heroes! I would appreciate knowing the name and any other information you have on the Soldier's grave.
I spent some time in 67-68 (stationed in Germany) visiting a number of graveyards in France and Belgium and was even fortunate to meet a local who was 'tending' a fallen relative's grave. My Uncle who spent some time there in 44/45 just turned 94 years old.
Thank You for what you do.
I reccommend that you find a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and American Legion Post to meet some of the comrades of your fallen Soldier.
God Bless

What part of Florida R U planing on visiting. IN NW Florida at Eglin AFB we have a memorial on base . But then again you would be too far away to come.. Enjoy yourself while you are here..

Bart
Spend time in South Beach,not Miami,unless you speak and understand Spanish.
There is a nude beach in Hollywood,one town north,where the dancers and the hotty bar-maids go. How do I know? I lived down there.

Ask to visit the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach and the air station in Opa Locka. Navy and Coast Guard have bases in Key West.

quote:

Originally posted by RBruce:
Ask to visit the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach and the air station in Opa Locka. Navy and Coast Guard have bases in Key West.

That sounds mighty interesting ... can I just walk onto the base there with a little white flag ?

Or do I need to ask for permission in advance ?
thanx for the info.

quote:

Originally posted by 54D_Zippo:

quote:

I've also "adopted" (that's what it's called I think) an American grave here in Belgium of a fallen hero from the second world war

I thank you for taking care of one of our heroes! I would appreciate knowing the name and any other information you have on the Soldier's grave.
I spent some time in 67-68 (stationed in Germany) visiting a number of graveyards in France and Belgium and was even fortunate to meet a local who was 'tending' a fallen relative's grave. My Uncle who spent some time there in 44/45 just turned 94 years old.
Thank You for what you do.
I reccommend that you find a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and American Legion Post to meet some of the comrades of your fallen Soldier.
God Bless

Got the certificate here with me.
name : Barton A. Carpenter
Rank : Private
Serial Number : 36956091
Unit : 110th infantry Regiment / 28th Inf Division
Decoration Purple Heart
Date of Death : 20 Dec 44
State Illinois

quote:

Originally posted by OldArmyLove:
belgianwolfie, I've visited your beautiful country several times during the mid 50s, mid 60s and early 70s.

My only caution is; PLEASE DON'T JUDGE THE USA BY MIAMI. They are two vey different worlds.

I would recommend that you visit Kennedy Space Center and take a guided tour of the Everglades. You could visit Disney World but that's not America or real either.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable visit.

Keep us posted,

No worries OldArmyLove ... I already have judged the American people a long time ago ... and I judged the Americans to be a proud nation, with very friendly people, very polite people (trust me , we here in Belgium are much more rude to eachother)

I've been to New York 5 times, to New Orleans after Katrina to help with the reconstruction and I did a tour of the entire westcoast.

Just love to come back to your country ... espescially your patriottism is amazing and makes for a proud nation ... over here , people are more or less ashamed to be Belgian ... no proudness whatsoever...

quote:

Originally posted by belgianwolfie:

quote:

Originally posted by RBruce:
Ask to visit the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach and the air station in Opa Locka. Navy and Coast Guard have bases in Key West.

That sounds mighty interesting ... can I just walk onto the base there with a little white flag ?

Or do I need to ask for permission in advance ?
thanx for the info.

You'd have to look up and contact their base security offices.

Don't be surprised if you get told no. Nothing personal against you, but the government usually is reluctant to allow foreign nationals access to some facilities without special permission and a reason that is in the interests of the US.

Belgiunwolfe

Write off Opa-Locka an stay near the beach,on the east side of the Inter-coastal waterway
or north of Adventura. Miami is one of the most dangerous cities in this country.

Heck, if you could put off your visit until late April, 2010, I'd strongly suggest going up to Ft. Lauderdale for the Air & Sea Show.

Show dates: April 24th & 25th, 2010

links

orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/sfl-flbairshow1217sbdec17,0,7155288.story

miami.about.com/b/2009/07/19/air-and-sea-show-to-return-in-2010.htm

or if you could drag out your already planned November visit, NASCAR will be in Homestead Nov 21st and 22nd. At least the track is close to what was Homestead AFB. Not sure if it's considered an ANG base at this time though I know it's still open at some level. (Hurricane Andrew did a number on it.)

sportstravel.com/nascar/ford-400.php

Don

quote:

Got the certificate here with me.
name : Barton A. Carpenter
Rank : Private
Serial Number : 36956091
Unit : 110th infantry Regiment / 28th Inf Division
Decoration Purple Heart
Date of Death : 20 Dec 44
State Illinois

Thank You!
I do Military Honors and will do a bit of research. I definitely will add his name to my Garden of Stone.

As to getting on a Military Base, the local VFW or AL has both Active Duty and Retired members who have access and many I am sure would be willing to accompany you and/or help you with the red tape.