Last night we finally had the experience of a river cruise. We sailed away finally from Starsbourg to Breisach. It was a lovely evening.
The morning excursion is to visit a museum with items from the World War II battle called the Colmar Pocket – “Poche de Colmar” This was a battle that went on from November 1944 to February 1945 when the Allies reclaimed this Alsace area from the Germans. Here’s a link to tell the history much better than I.
Our tour guide’s father had fought in the battle. She did amazing research and knows the area well. The town where the museum is located is Turckheim. Very quaint, destroyed in the war, and rebuilt after the war to look the same.
The museum is filled with artifacts that had been found in this area from the battle. Outside is a memorial to the men who died from the town and for the US and French soldiers killed.
After we visit the museum and town, the bus takes us to the memorial up on the hill overlooking the valley with the various towns in the region where fighting occurred. Both the American and the French units that fought here are recognized.
This is a major wine producing area. The hillsides and the valley are lined with vineyards. Some grapes are being picked by hand while there is also a machine that does some harvesting as well.
Our last stop on the tour is at the Audie Murphy memorial. This is where his unit fought and he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. If you do not know who he is, here is a website about him. https://audiemurphy.com
On the way back to our ship, we pass by the ruins of an old bunker built by the French after World War I. We certainly know a lot more about this area’s battles during World War II. It is understandable why the people still celebrate May 8 every year.
Another interesting sight – in the middle of a traffic circle, is a replica of the Statue of Liberty. The person who designed it came from the Alsace area.
On the ship for some lunch before our afternoon excursion.
Traveling Lynn 