"I am just a kid who loves history"

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2024 Bridge to History Ambassador Griffin.

"My name is Griffin. I am just a kid who loves war history but more specifically WW2. All my research has been done on my own time. School has not covered this part of our world’s history yet. I feel passionate about this time in history because it fascinates me,

I have several members of my family who proudly served in WW2. I have so many books on this topic I have spent many nights just looking at the pictures, reading, and rereading all my books. I got hooked on learning about the war when I was building the USS Missouri Lego, then I wanted to know more about the war and my grandpa started telling me stories. And I started doing my own research.

I was too little to know about the war when my great grandparents were alive. If I could go back in time, I would ask them a million questions. Going on this trip would give me the chance to talk to war heroes and hear their stories firsthand. I would love to see all the places I have read about in my books and may never get to see without this chance.”

If you would like to support the Bridge to History Program, you can make a tax-deductible donation here: www.bridge2history.com/donate

****Every dollar goes to the program and giving these incredibly bright children a once in a life-time educational experience.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

"I feel like I have saved part of history"

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2024 Bridge to History Ambassador Jett.

"My interest in WW2 began when I was around six years old. My day came home from an antique store with an original US WW2 steel helmet that he had purchased for me. From that day on, my interest has turned into an obsession. We regularly spend weekends traveling and looking for any WW2 items both Allied and Axis to add to my constantly growing collection. Whenever we have someone new come over to our house, they never escape with out having to take the “tour” of my WW2 collection. Whenever I add something new to my collection, I feel like I have saved part of history and as long as I have it, it’s story can be told and it can live on forever.

There are many reasons I would love to be one of the lucky kids chosen. First, would be the amazing opportunity to see battlefields and sites that I have only ever read about and seen pictures of. Second, would be the chance to expand my knowledge of WW2 and learn about these events in greater detail and bring back what I have learned so that I can pass on and share that information with others around my community. While telling others about my experiences and what I learned while there, I may be able to spark an interest in someone else who may also come to love learning about history and WW2 as I do."

If you would like to support the Bridge to History Program, you can make a tax-deductible donation here: www.bridge2history.com/donate

****Every dollar goes to the program and giving these incredibly bright children a once in a life-time educational experience.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

"To honor their memory"

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2024 Bridge to History Ambassador Logan.

My Name is Logan, I am 10 years old and live in Azle, Texas with my dad, mom and sister. My family is a military family and was raised by their values of integrity and respect. My dad is second generation military (his dad was in the Army.) and he is still in the Air Force as a First Sergeant. My mom is a third generation Air Force and served 10 years. Her grandpa enlisted in the Army Air Corps and during his basic training the Air Force was born in 1947.

History is my favorite subject in school, but I also enjoy reading and watching movies based on true stories like Pearl Harbor and Hacksaw Ridge. The reason I like to learn about WWII is because of the era of innovation from navy ships to the aircraft all the way to the Army tanks. I think it is really awesome how the world came to help the European countries that were being attacked by the Germans.

I know that the military veterans and civilians that experience D-Day and the war are passing, and I really want to hear their stories before they pass so I can share their stories. To honor their memory of the war and what they sacrificed not only on the beaches but also everything that everyone did to make the the world we have today.

If you would like to support the Bridge to History Program, you can make a tax-deductible donation here: www.bridge2history.com/donate

****Every dollar goes to the program and giving these incredibly bright children a once in a life-time educational experience.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

Paratrooper, Toccoa, Currahee

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We just wrapped an incredible weekend in Toccoa, Georgia with the Bridge to History Ambassadors studying all things Paratroopers.

One of the key aspects of the B2H program is continued mentorship and investment into the community when they return from their trip to Normandy. This weekend kicked off our first official Bridge to History Stateside Program and it couldn’t have been better.

If you have ever watched the TV show Band of Brothers or read anything about Dick Winters and the 101st in Normandy, then I am pretty sure Toccoa has popped up on your radar at some point. Nestled in the beautiful back country of northeast Georgia, Toccoa during WWII was home to the 101st Airborne. This is where the soldiers trained to become Paratroopers. They hiked the infamous Currahee Mountain. And it was here they were forged into the fighting force that would become a helping hand to the liberation of Europe.

This past weekend, Bridge to History Ambassadors from 2022, 2023, and 2024 flew and drove in from all over the country to spend a couple of days learning about these brave men of WWII.

Sleeping in the rebuilt WWII barracks at the base of Mount Currahee (on the exact location of the original camp) the ambassadors and their parents had a packed couple of days. Here are a few highlights:

“3 Miles Up, 3 Miles Down”

After a great tour at the Camp Toccoa at Currahee Museum, the ambassadors embarked on the hike up the mountain. Historically, the paratroopers would run this mountain on almost daily basis regardless of weather conditions. In Band of Brothers it infamously depicts a spaghetti dinner followed by a rigorous run up the mountain. The outcome? Yes - what you are probably thinking is correct.

The B2H ambassadors were grateful to just be hiking the mountain minus the spaghetti dinner. And they performed it with gusto.

Honoring Our Veterans

Saturday afternoon WWII veteran Andy Negra joined the Bridge to History crew for lunch and a special “fireside chat” about his experiences with the 6th Armored Division in Europe during WWII.

Andy is two months shy of 100 years of age. His spirit is effervescent. His perspective on life beautiful. And the love he still carries for his late wife (of 72 years) is inspiring.

For well over an hour, he shared his stories of the war, starting off with his childhood during the Great Depression.

Andy had called me a few days before the trip and asked what the ages of the students in attendance would be.

“10-12” I told him.

“Good.” He said, “That’s the age I was during the depression. I’ll tell them a bit about that for starters. They can relate better being similar ages.”

Andy didn’t shy away from talking about Buchenwald Concentration Camp. With careful tact, he told the students what he saw and the impact it had on his 21-year-old self.

It’s important to teach kids about the realities of war in an age-appropriate way. Film makes war glamorous. It’s easy for a 12-year-old history buff to see the uniforms and the tanks and the firearms and get excited. This is natural.

But this is why we discuss all aspects of war. Good and bad. People forget the atrocities that happened in the concentration camps. And when you forget, you repeat. It’s never too early to start teaching the value of life and honor and integrity.

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
— George Santayana, American philosopher (1863-1952)

Andy is a very special example of the character of the WWII generation. He is a national treasure. His life mission is to continue to educate the next generations about their legacy as Americans.

With his 100th birthday coming up, he told me that he just got his first passport last year. “I have 8 years left on it, so I plan on using it for the next 8 years.”

Our afternoon with Andy was a treat and a genuine honor. These boys will never forget it. I’d made my heart so happy to see the focus and attention they paid him (shout out to Winston who asked such superb questions it made Andy stop in his tracks with admiration).

Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

Connecting the Ambassadors to the communities and local veterans groups is a very important part of Bridge to History Program. It means that the students have to take what they learned and implement it in the real world.

Our last night in Toccoa, VFW Post 4346 welcomed us as their guests for the evening.

When I initially reached out to the VFW about having the kids come over and have dinner and meet some of the vets, Post Commander James Williams didn’t skip a beat. “Of course!”

Williams and VFW Auxiliary President, Li’el Cohen were our gracious hosts taking meal orders and chatting with the group. Several veterans of various wars also joined our students, mingling and sharing war stories. The collective life experience in the room was incredible and the couple of hours we shared with them was just the tip of the iceberg.

One veteran of Vietnam shared an incredibly moving story of his battle with PTSD and how he learned to overcome it rather than be overcome himself. Another Navy vet had us chuckling with laughter and admiration as he passed his Navy decorated prosthetic leg around for our viewing pleasure.

Eventually we had to go back to camp, but it was hard to say goodbye. Each of the little ambassadors expressed how much they had enjoyed the evening.

Everyone talks about Southern Hospitality, but I gotta say - there’s something just a little bit extra special about Georgia hospitality. When I first stepped foot in Toccoa 10 years ago - it felt like home to me. 10 years later, it still feels that way.

Throughout the entire weekend, the B2H ambassadors and their parents experienced the very best of Toccoa hospitality. They learned about the Paratroopers through the history they left behind, and the firsthand accounts of the Toccoa folks who grew up with those paratroopers when they returned for reunions. They hiked Mt. Currahee with gusto - “3 Miles Up, 3 Miles Down.” They honored the memory of Toccoa Paratroopers who had been killed in action. They met with veterans, heard their stories, took notes and listened with their whole hearts. The students even got to help out a little at Camp Toccoa at Curahee. And they went home with full and happy hearts.

My desire is that this weekend added to the flame of interest and excitement they carry for understanding our American history and legacy. I hope they will continue to read and study and come back to Toccoa. It’s a special town with a rich history. We have so much to learn from it.

I would like to thank Steve Latham, Brad Rettig, and Camp Toccoa at Currahee, Inc.. for hosting us in their World War II barracks at the base of Mount Currahee, the same location as the original camp! They have done a phenomenal job rebuilding the barracks and provided the ambassadors with a special tour and history lesson on the paratroopers that trained at Toccoa.

I’d also like to thank Dale Moseley, Brenda Carlan, Lyn Hack, Pat Turner and the Currahee Military Museum for making our afternoon visit to the museum with Andy absolutely perfect and always going above and beyond to give young people the opportunity to learn about the history of Toccoa.

And many many thanks to VFW Post 4346 for an absolutely delightful evening. We cannot wait to come back and share this experience with more Bridge to History ambassadors and their families.

Bridge to History is a program of OPERATION MEATBALL. To learn more, participate, or donate click here:

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

Bridge to History Day One: Churchill

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Bridge to History Day 1 ||

This morning, bright and early, the Bridge to History students arrived in London. For some of them, it was their first flight ever! We all fought off jet lag fatigue and dove into the world of World War II era London, starting off at the Imperial War Museum, carrying on to the Churchill War Rooms, and then dinner at The Admiralty with a very special guest, DDay Royal Navy veteran, Henry Rice.

Bridge to History is a scholarship program giving history loving preteens a hands-on experience studying World War II in the battlefields and beaches of Europe.

B2H is a program of Operation Meatball. If you would like to support B2H and help more students have this life-changing experience, visit bridge2history.com/donate or click the link below.


ANNOUNCING: Bridge to History 2023

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“Bridge to History is AMAZING! It has changed my life forever. I thought I knew a lot about World War II and D-Day but there was so much more that I learned and so much more I want to learn. To me the best part was learning about people who served with the Allied forces and what they did and how they felt. I also learned how the people who were kids who lived there in the towns felt when they were liberated and what they had to go through. I wish students in America knew more and learned more about this history.”
— Adam (10), Bridge to History Ambassador 2022

We are so happy to announce that planning for the next BRIDGE TO HISTORY program is underway! The next program will be this fall. Specific dates coming soon!

Last year’s pilot program was a phenomenal success. Our seven students from five different states spent 10 days in London and Normandy meeting veterans, visiting 5 cemeteries, 5 beaches, and numerous monuments, interacting with French locals who were children during the war, and an afternoon visiting with French children, sharing experiences and understanding the two cultures.

When our Bridge to History students returned home, they jumped right into their new title of Student Ambassadors, giving presentations and sharing their experience with local news media, civics clubs, and schools, as well as the lessons they learned as ambassadors of the legacy of World War II.

We even received feedback from the President of Normandy who told me with great enthusiasm that he looked forward to our bringing more groups of young Americans over to France to learn about the war and our special friendship with the people of Normandy.

How you can help:

This trip is at no cost to the students. You cannot put a price on education, and we firmly believe in investing in the future of America. That means the cost of the trip is covered by generous sponsors and community effort.

The cost for one student scholarship $5,000. This covers the student + parent/guardian’s: flights, 2 countries, lodging for 9 days, meals, and dozens one-of-a-kind experiences. We are looking for full or partial ($2500) sponsorships.

If you would like to sponsor a student or multiple students, please go to WWW.BRIDGE2HISTORY.COM or email us at LIBERTY@BRIDGE2HISTORY.COM or DONATE online:

Stay tuned for more updates and please pass the word along!

“I also gained incredible friendships along the way with my newly discovered friends Dyche, Adam, and Winston. We met each other in London, and we all were able to really understand each other due to our shared passion of history and warfare. It further deepens my opinion that this trip has brought us together as friends; reliable to each other in times of need.”
— Ethan (10) Bridge to History Ambassador 2022

Bridge to History Ambassador: Ethan

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Ethan J., age 10

We have learned so much about America’s role on D-Day and throughout World War II. We saw and learned many things along the way! From the Churchill War Rooms in London to Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, this journey was a very well thought out experience.

ethan standing in “the shadow” of winston churchill at the churchill war rooms

Now that this journey is complete, I personally understand the importance of preserving and remembering this chapter of history. After visiting so many historical sites from London to Normandy, the sacrifices of over 407,000 U.S. servicemembers cannot be forgotten. We have a duty to ensure their stories survive for many generations to come. Going forward I want to share my experiences with you!

Following the path of the 1st Infantry Division with Willem Braam

Out of all the historical sites this trip offered, my favorite site was Utah Beach. Utah Beach was the most successful American beach on D-Day. Utah Beach was assaulted by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division in conjunction with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. I like Utah Beach because so many of the German fortifications are relatively intact. It is incredible to see how well the WiederstandNests at Utah Beach are remarkably preserved! This site looked exactly how a U.S. soldier would have saw it on D-Day.

the remains of WiederstandNests 62 are still open to climb in and explore

Another favorite of mine is the home of the granddaughter of General George S. Patton, the famed commander of the 3rd U.S. Army during World War II. I chose this experience as one of my favorites because I was given the privilege to hold one of General Patton’s fencing swords and sit in his favorite armchair. I felt for a moment like General Patton!

ethan stands on omaha beach in elements of a uniform that would have been worn by a soldier landing on D-Day

I also gained incredible friendships along the way with my newly discovered friends Dyche, Adam, and Winston. We met each other in London, and we all were able to really understand each other due to our shared passion of history and warfare. It further deepens my opinion that this trip has brought us together as friends; reliable to each other in times of need.

Winston, Adam, Dyche, and Ethan excited to head out on a tour of normandy in wwii jeeps and trucks

In conclusion, after this amazing journey, I understand better America’s identity, history, and what really should matter in every American’s heart. I also learned the importance of the American allies like the British and Canadians and the role they played on D-Day and throughout World War II. I gained everlasting relationships, which I will never forget.

adam in front of the grave of laurence madill, 116th infantry regiment, 29th division

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the sponsors, without your generous support, this journey would not have been possible! Additionally, to all the parents and staff that supported our daily adventures into history, you made all the difference in the world! I hope that Bridge 2 History’s mission of creating strong ambassadors will succeed in the many years to come!

Ethan J., age 9

B2H

Bridge to History‘s inaugural Children’s World War II Boot Camp is complete! If you followed along on Instagram or Facebook and saw any of the photos and videos, you will have a glimpse of just how fantastic it was. These kids – my students - were enthusiastic and engaged and articulate and so much fun! I’m so proud of how hard they worked and what great energy they gave to everything they saw, and everyone they met.

If you have been encouraged or inspired by what you have seen, and if you would like to see this program continue, would you donate to Operation Meatball today? This is a volunteer run nonprofit organization. No one takes a salary. Everything goes to cover our expenses. Whether it’s $20, $200, or $2000, every penny will help us get the next program rolling!

Bridge to History Ambassador: Adam

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My Trip to Normandy with Bridge to History 2022

Adam B., age 9

My name is Adam Boyd and I am 9 years old. I am a 2022 Ambassador with the Bridge to History program, and I have to say IT. IS. AWESOME!!!

First of all, I want to thank everyone with Operation Meatball. Everyone that I got to be with has been the best and I miss them all. I know there’s more people that help with Operation Meatball that I don’t know but who really helped me and the other kids go on the trip and I want to especially say thank you so very much.

Bridge to History has changed my life.

I only thought I knew a lot about World War II and the D-Day landings, but I really didn’t. I thought that standing on Omaha Beach would be the best part but it was only one of a whole lot of best parts. My Mom and everyone keep asking me what was my favorite part of the trip, but I don’t have one, I have at least 4 and those are the ones I want to write about.

Adam stands at the 29th Division Monument just off Omaha Beach

One thing I will always remember is getting off the boat in Normandy and meeting Willem and Zander and driving to Sword beach. I always thought Omaha beach would be my favorite beach, but it is Sword. We got out of the car and there was Zander with soft chocolate croissants. They were so good!

Adam, Dyche, and Winston on Sword Beach.

We ate them and looked at the monument of the flame with the flags around it and the names of Free French Commandos came with the British to free their own land and who died there on June 6, 1944. Willem talked to us about the Sword beach landing while we ate and the sun was coming up. I remember walking down the path to the beach and seeing the big grains of sand and I just took off running. It was so beautiful but all those years ago it was a battlefield. I think about the morning of June 6th a lot now. I think about the men who never left that beach alive. I learned so much right there in the first part of the first morning in France. I had only thought about the British landing there and the battle, but right then I learned what it may have been like to BE from there and to come back with British soldiers and be like, “This is my country and I’m taking it back!”

Adam and Dyche stand on Omaha Beach. They take turns trying on the uniform our boys wore ashore on D-Day.

Whenever I used to think about D-Day I always thought about Omaha Beach. I watched Saving Private Ryan and would imagine being on that beach and pretend to run from the water fighting the Germans. I got to do that! I got to put on a real World War II Haversack and helmet and life belt and try to run up the Atlantic wall with my best friend, Dyche! It was crazy!

But after that I got to go to the American cemetery in Normandy and it changed everything.

The part of Saving Private Ryan when all the soldiers are being killed became real people who had real parents and family. A lot of them were the same age as my sister. Liberty told us about people she knew who told her stories about their soldier buried there and we found their grave and put a wreath with it. I can’t describe all I felt that day. I just cried. All I could think about was that they died for me. They died for freedom everywhere. They were from my state. They had my name. I cry now thinking about it. About them.

Before this visit talking and learning and acting out D-Day and World War II was all about me and what I knew and the people in my family that was in the war and what that meant to me and my family. After being at the cemetery, it’s about them and who they were and who loved them and who they loved too. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to learn about everyone I could. Now I think about what Jason, Ethan’s Dad said to us that day, “They died for you.” I’ll always remember that.

Next thing I want to talk about was the reenactment night. It was so cool! We ate dinner that night and Jason helped us put on camouflage face paint. We got dressed in warm, dark clothes and hats and gloves and left at 8:30. It was a full moon and the sky had clouds just like on the night of June 5th/6th 1944.

Adam prepared for the reenactment with a full face of camo “war paint.”

We got to go in a van that was like a C-47 and we landed in a field. When we got out we were laughing and loud but then Willem had us go silent. He told us we would have to find our way in the dark and to be quiet and on the lookout.

Adam and Dyche preparing for the night reenactment.

We started down the road and “BAM” there was gunfire! The Germans fired on us! We hit the ditch. There was a smell of gun powder and the feeling of nettles in my fingers and in my knees. When a German took my helmet off, I got really scared. I cried because I didn’t know what he was going to do. Really, I don’t even know why I cried I just did. It was so real. Before that night I had just imagined what it would be like to fight Germans in my own little trench and bunker … but they had the real thing!

A visit to the D-Day Experience Museum

I thought about how earlier that day when were at the D-Day Experience Museum and we learned about Bull Wolverton and how brave he and the men who jumped that night onto almost the same ground where I was and then faced the Germans. After being home, me and my Mom looked up more information on Bull Wolverton. We have read the prayer he prayed a lot.

The C-47 simulator experience was a highlight for everyone.

He said, “We ask only this, that if die we must, that we die as men would die, without complaining, without pleading and safe in the feeling that we have done our best for what we believed was right.” He died just a few hours after that prayer and I know he was braver than his prayer and braver than I could ever be.

Taking notes from the days… making sure nothing is forgotten.

The last part I want to talk about is my most favorite and that’s the Chelsea Pensioners. I didn’t know who they were until right before the trip and we looked them up. I still wasn’t real sure about going to the hospital because I worried it was like the nursing home where my Meme is at and that made me really sad but on our first night in London we met Dave and Bryon and they were awesome!

Adam, Ethan, and Dyche with the darling Pensioner, Bryan Rolfe

Faith sang for us and she was amazing, but then Dave got up and sang The Gambler and I knew he was cool. The next day we got to go to the Chelsea Royal Hospital and Dave met us. He showed us around and we met a lot of the other Pensioners too. We saw them do their ceremony and inspections and that was neat. Dave showed us the dining hall and took us for Sunday service in the chapel.

A private tour of the Royal Chelsea Hospital for the B2H student Ambassadors

We visited the cemetery and saw Margaret Thatcher’s grave. Dave told us about when he worked for her and how much she cared for the Pensioners. I can see why. They are real veterans for Britain’s army and they have served their country and deserve our thanks and respect like all our veterans do. I didn’t want to leave. Dave is my favorite person I got to meet on this trip. I have his card and am emailing him.

Adam with the Chelsea Pensioners

My Mom now follows the Chelsea Pensioners on Facebook and we read their newsletters. Dave’s picture was with a group that raised money in a race for the hospital! Before this trip when I thought of redcoats I thought of the Revolutionary war and the War of 1812 but now I think of Dave and the Chelsea Pensioners and their nine buttons and 3 pointed hats and I wear the pin Dave gave me.

Next week is Veteran’s Day and I can’t wait! I’m calling a World War II Veteran named Arnold Price who lives about 20 minutes from me in Sylva, NC. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and was a commander, but sadly he was the only survivor from that awful battle.

I am now trying to study and learn more about battles on the western front and the fall of Germans to the Allied Forces. On Veteran’s Day, I am going to my brother’s school, Haywood Christian Academy and will volunteer to serve lunch to veterans. I’m going to give out more of the American flag pins that I took to Normandy. I have special gifts from Normandy of sand from all the beaches for my special Vietnam Veteran, Jerry McClure too.

My Mom is helping me write something for my online school, the North Carolina Cyber Academy for our school newsletter about the trip. I am also sending the school sand from the beaches for them to keep and display. My Mom is working with me to go through all our pictures and videos and we are making a PowerPoint presentation to help me when I talk to groups about Bridge to History and D-Day too.

We are going back and studying a lot of the stuff Willem, Liberty and all the guides taught us and putting it in writing so I can always, always remember every minute of the greatest adventure of my life. Thank you so much for picking me and letting me go on this trip. I don’t know what I will grow up to do or where I will be but I know that this history will go with me and I will always study and share it.

Adam Boyd, age 9. North Carolina

B2H

Bridge to History‘s inaugural Children’s World War II Boot Camp is complete! If you followed along on Instagram or Facebook and saw any of the photos and videos, you will have a glimpse of just how fantastic it was. These kids – my students - were enthusiastic and engaged and articulate and so much fun! I’m so proud of how hard they worked and what great energy they gave to everything they saw, and everyone they met.

If you have been encouraged or inspired by what you have seen, and if you would like to see this program continue, would you donate to Operation Meatball today? This is a volunteer run nonprofit organization. No one takes a salary. Everything goes to cover our expenses. Whether it’s $20, $200, or $2000, every penny will help us get the next program rolling!

Bridge to History Ambassador: Charlotte

/ Operation Meatball/

It’s been almost a month since our Bridge to History Ambassadors returned from their overseas adventure to London and Normandy. The memories are still being re-lived and the students are hard at working putting everything they learned to task. This week I will be sharing the essays each of the children wrote post-trip.

I think you will find these essays well-written, articulate, and inspiring. My students are young, but precocious. And I have been continually blown away by their ability to grasp an understanding of history that most adults completely miss out on. Enjoy reading.

Charlotte J., age 12

Over the past week, a few ambassadors from across the United States, and myself have explored, admired, immersed in these historical Normandy invasion sites.

It was an outstanding historical week! I was impressed by the people, cheese, culture, and a country’s love for history.

Charlotte places her thumb in the imprint a bullet left on D-Day, 1944. (Sainte-Mere-Eglise)

Of all the places from London to Normandy, my favorite place was Omaha Beach, or how history records it as, “Bloody Omaha”! More than 2400 men made the ultimate sacrifice at Omaha.

But also on June 6, 1944, 30 men from Bedford, Virginia, known as the renowned Bedford Boys, fought there in battle. Sadly, 22 out of 30 men fell at Omaha Beach. That left the small town of Bedford, Virginia, devastated. I had the chance to see where each one of the boys had fallen.

“When I held the photograph, it was such a wonderful feeling, but it then reminded me the true costs of war.”

While there, I met Flo and Jenny (World War II Veterans’ Memories). A couple who had such a passion for history. Flo’s wife, Jenny, was originally from Bedford, Virginia. She loved the Bedford Boy’s story and used to work at the Bedford Boys Memorial.

One day, she and her husband were at an antiques store, and they came across a picture taken in 1941. The picture depicted all the Bedford Boys posing for a unit picture. The picture is so rare that only 200 copies were printed in 1941. The exact number of copies that survived to this day is a mystery only known to the ages.

When I held the photograph, it was such a wonderful feeling, but it then reminded me the true costs of war.

Charlotte holds her hands up and declares she’s “never washing them again” after holding the photograph

I personally want to thank our donors, sponsors, and of course, our coordinators and chaperones for this excellent adventure. Every moment was time well invested.

I will forever cherish the memories, lessons learned, food, and friendships I gained on this journey.

Charlotte and her father at the The Longues-sur-Mer battery, Normandy.

I already miss France and I hope to explore even more! I never thought in a million years that I would partake in such an adventure! The trip was a dream come true for me. Even though saying goodbye was difficult for me, I know there will be more adventures to come.

Organizations like Operation Meatball and the program, Bridge2History, is such an excellent way to connect our children to the past, present, and future.”

|| Thank you Charlotte for so articulately embracing and sharing the mission of Bridge to History.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

The Children Take Normandy: Bridge to History Launches

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When I was in the single digits, my dad took my siblings and me to Bunker Hill in Boston, Massachusetts. He lined us up and told us to, “Hold until you see the whites of their eyes,” then Charge! There were no Redcoats in front of us. Nothing but a grassy hill and an old monument, but, when we charged, we gave it all our 6, 7, and 8 year old hearts could give. We saw the Redcoats and the fate of the American Revolution rested on US at that moment. I never forgot it.

A little over a week ago, the inaugural Bridge to History Children’s Program wrapped up in Normandy, France. We spent 9 days adventuring through the Churchill War Rooms of London, England, retaking the beachhead at Bloody Omaha, laying wreaths to our fallen Allies at their last resting place, recalling the bravery of the Bedford Boys, learning about French culture through the local school children, and driving the backroads of Normandy in WWII Jeeps and trucks.

Without a doubt, this was a life-changing trip. Not just for the students, but for the parents and for me.

To experience Normandy and D-Day through the eyes of a 9 year old is something else. Untainted by the madness of world politics, there is a purity to their perspective.

“Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: “What does his voice sound like? What games does he like best…” They ask: “How old is he? How many brothers does he have?… How much money does his father make?” Only then do they think they know him. If you tell grown-ups, “I saw a beautiful red brick house, with geraniums at the windows and doves on the roof,” they won’t be able to imagine such a house. You have to tell them, “I saw a house worth a hundred thousand francs.” Then they exclaim, “What a pretty house!”

The Little Prince by Antoine De Sainte-Exupery

The tactile nature of climbing in old German bunkers, through trenches, or the gun emplacements of Longues-sur-Mer, brought to life what the children had been reading about their whole lives.

They visualized what adults can’t see. They played war, and they were fighting the Germans again. But when taps came over the speakers at Colleville American Cemetery and the flag was lowered, they held a salute. No one told them to. They just knew.

Over the next few weeks, I will be recapping Bridge to History and sharing writings from the children - my student ambassadors to history.

They came well prepared, ready to engage, and through the fire hydrant of learning they received, they left with new goals and dreams of how to preserve history.

Our legacy starts with the children. They are the future. After the 9 days I spent overseas with my students, watching them embrace history so fully, I feel re-inspired. To hear 9 year-old Dyche tell me he wanted to bring his children to Normandy, and 12 year old Charlotte declare she never wanted to wash her hands again after holding an original photo of the Bedford Boys on Omaha Beach… it makes me smile. They get it.

B2H

Bridge to History‘s inaugural Children’s World War II Boot Camp is complete! If you followed along on Instagram or Facebook and saw any of the photos and videos, you will have a glimpse of just how fantastic it was. These kids – my students - were enthusiastic and engaged and articulate and so much fun! I’m so proud of how hard they worked and what great energy they gave to everything they saw, and everyone they met.

If you have been encouraged or inspired by what you have seen, and if you would like to see this program continue, would you donate to Operation Meatball today? This is a volunteer run nonprofit organization. No one takes a salary. Everything goes to cover our expenses. Whether it’s $20, $200, or $2000, every penny will help us get the next program rolling!

What is Bridge to History

/ Operation Meatball/

In 6 weeks, I will be taking my first group of students over to Normandy for the inaugural Bridge to History Children's Program. To say I'm beyond excited is an understatement. In fact, it’s a dream come true.

During the last decade of my work with WW2 veterans, I have been continually inspired by the Europeans’ integration of their youth into all of their remembrance programs. They take their young children to their cemeteries, to their battlefields, to their war memorials; not just as spectators, but as participants in an experience which stays with the children as they grow, perpetuating a grateful nation that honors and remembers. This is how I was raised, and I can personally speak to the impact it had on me as a child.

I started Bridge to History because I want to give this experience to American children - children who have already shown through personal study and community initiative a genuine desire to learn and remember.

For our October program, I have 7 students, ages 9-13, and they are absolutely amazing kids! They've been working their tails off studying and preparing for this trip... writing essays, drawing maps, and connecting with their local community.

I can't wait to share more about these kids in the upcoming days. Their passion and enthusiasm at such a young age is genuinely inspiring to me.

One of my students, Adam, went on local TV last week to talk about the trip and why history is so important. At 9 years old, his understanding and grasp on the importance of history far surpasses many twice or three times his age! Watch the video below:

Over the course of our 9-day overseas bootcamp, B2H children will walk the battlefields, feel the sands of Omaha Beach between their fingers, climb in old German bunkers, meet our allied veterans of WW2, learn facets of military life, meet their young French counterparts, pay respects to the war fallen in special ceremonies at the cemeteries, and see how a nation responds to oppression and liberation.

We call the children “Bridge to History Ambassadors” because when the trip ends, their mission is only beginning. When the children return stateside, they will have been commissioned to take what they have learned and apply it to their lives at home. Some of this entails:

  • Giving presentations to local schools and clubs about their experience in Europe. 

  • Getting connected with local veterans and recording their stories (from the viewpoint of a pre-teen… a completely different perspective than an adult).

  • Adopting the graves of local servicemen and recruiting 3 schoolmates to do the same. 

  • And generally starting a buzz and generating interest from their peers.

We understand this is a big-ask for pre-teens, and Bridge to History will come along side our ambassadors, training them and helping facilitate these operations and encouraging them along the way. 

Two of our October students, Ethan and Charlotte, at the grave of Audie Murphy

My goal is to ignite a sense of honor and remembrance in American children and set the tone for a life devoted to the perpetuation of our American heritage and honor the men and women who helped preserve it.

I cannot wait to take kids like Adam, to Normandy to experience first-hand the magic and mystery of walking in the footsteps of their heroes.

If you would like to support these amazing youngsters and their passion to save history for the next generation, go to:

All donations are tax deductible and go to bringing Adam and the (7) B2H students to Normandy.

 
 

SPONSORSHIP

If you are interested in sponsoring a Bridge to History Student Ambassador either in part or in full - you can go to www.Bridge2history.com or for more information, contact me at Liberty@Bridge2History.com.

1 student sponsorship (which is 1 student + parent/guardian) for the 9-day trip is $5,000. This includes airfare for student and parent, and an all-inclusive experience (transportation, guides, lodging, food, museums, and special activities) for 9 days in London, England and Normandy, France.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today

INTRODUCING: Bridge to History

/ Operation Meatball/

For the last 8 years, Operation Meatball has worked to connect with thousands of WWII Veterans, share their stories, honor them, and remind them of the days when they were young and in the service of their country.

Our motto has been:

"Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today."

Up to now, our focus has been on honoring the living. Currently, the average age of the WWII veteran is 98, and this unusual chapter in our lives is rapidly closing. But our work is ongoing, if not just beginning. While continuing our initial objectives, we are so happy to announce the next step and our brand-new initiative:

The Bridge to History Children’s Program:

Connecting Our Future to the Past

Beginning this fall, we will be taking pre-teen students on an international adventure to London and Normandy for an immersive week of curated commemorative events honoring and remembering the legacy of WWII.

The students, our Bridge to History Ambassadors, will walk the battlefields and visit the graves of soldiers they've studied, meet veterans who were our allies during the war, form friendships with their French counterparts (grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the liberated), and personally host ceremonies honoring the memory of the war dead.

When our young ambassadors return home to America, they will have been commissioned to take what they have learned and use it to light the fire of a new generation of informed and grateful Americans.

To learn more, sponsor or nominate a child, go to:

The program officially starts next spring, but we are planning a pilot program for this fall. If you have a student between the ages of 8-12 who would be interested in joining us on the pilot program, we are accepting applications now at: Bridge2history.com. The student and guardian will have to have an up-to-date passport and flexibility.

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today