Community on the Go Returns from Battle of the Bulge

Published: November 21, 2019 | Author: Haven Scott | Read Time: 3 minutes

In what was once called “the greatest American battle of the war” by Winston Churchill, the Battle of the Bulge was Hitler’s last major offensive in World War II. Located in the remote hills of Belgium, Hitler’s plot was to split the Allies during their trek toward Germany. The German troops failed to divide Britain, France and America, and the Allied victory in the Ardennes Mountains is often heralded as the beginning of the end for German forces led by Hitler.

Almost 75 years to the day after this historic battle, SUU Community on the Go travelers took to the skies to revisit some of the most historical war sites from World War II. Beginning in Amsterdam, the voyage continued through Maastricht, Bastogne, Luxembourg, Cologne and concluded in Frankfurt.

The trip was led by Southern Utah University staff and faculty experts who guided the travelers through historic site battles, museums and local restaurants, while also getting some alone time to spend with their loved ones.

“The main reason I took this trip was because of the educational aspect, and the professors and professionals who provided it — they were very knowledgeable and provided the right amount of educational instruction,” said Roger Carter, Washington City Manager. “But my favorite part was the way the other participants were able to share their personal stories of family members who served in this theatre of war. It was very moving.”

That same moving sentiment is what trip participant Valerie Turek remembers as well, although places “the dragon's teeth along the Siegfried Line, Patton’s grave and the Bastogne Museum” were all riveting, she said.

“To see the places our American veterans fought for the freedom of others in person, and to learn about the experiences they endured has been life changing for me,” Turek said. “I learned a lot about the character of a World War II American soldier and I am grateful I had this experience.”

In March 2020, discover the inspiring coast of Italy with SUU Community on the Go. Their next trip will lead you through Sorrento, the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Island of Capri and Pompeii archaeological sites. The sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and fishing villages make this a popular Italy destination. Pompeii, along with many villas was buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.

And May 2020 will see Community on the Go travelers heading for the savannas of Africa. The Africa adventure exposes participants to travel photography, ecotourism, wildlife and humanitarian service in eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, and other sites in South Africa. Game reserves, national parks, museums, cultural parks and wildlife are some of the many other sites included lead by SUU Community on the Go travel experts.

Community on the Go Travel offers culturally immersive, international travel experiences led by SUU faculty experts four times a year. Trips accommodate approximately 20-30 travelers and are designed to explore various parts of the world in fun, affordable and educational settings. Activities are flexible and designed using community feedback. More than 250 participants have traveled with the program since its inception in 2017.

For more information on upcoming 2020 Community on the Go trips, visit suu.edu/onthego. For notifications about upcoming trips, email onthego@suu.edu or call 435-865-8259.

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Tags: Community on the Go Community and Professional Development International Affairs

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