BOSTON — More than a dozen World War II veterans got a big send-off at Logan Airport Tuesday night as they head out to Europe to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major battle for the Germans and resulted in an allied victory. The war in Europe would end less than four months after the Battle of the Bulge.
The vets were escorted in by a military color guard and a round of applause. Included in those veterans was Francis Murphy, who also fought in the D-Day invasion.
"I'm lucky to be alive," he said.
For Francis, the trip back to Europe is for a special purpose.
"I'm going back to say a few Hail Marys for the guys who were with me that never got back," he said. "They're the real heroes, not me."
All 17 men 75 years ago and today each received a special military coin for the trip.
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All of this was put together by Andy Biggio. His new book Rifle is about their experiences during the Battle of the Bulge.
"I think I was able to relate to them veteran to veteran from my own experience in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.
Andy knows the trip may be the last for most of those veterans. He thinks it will be tough at times too.
"One of the most moving parts will be taking them to cemeteries where they recognize the names of young 18 to 19 year old kids who never came home," he said.
A battle fought for all Americans, who owe a huge debt of gratitude to those men who fought so bravely 75 years ago.