1. Post-War European Events and Trips

Liberty Convoy - 2010

The "Liberty Convoy“ was a commemorative event held at the 65th anniversary of the liberation
of Plauen including the "Vogtland“ region from the nazi regime by the 87th Infantry Division. On
these three days a convoy of over 40 original vehicles (Jeep´s, Dodge and GMC trucks) with
more than 100 re enactors in Original US Uniforms and arms made their way through the
region surrounding Plauen. Three memorial plaques in memory of the events at the subsidiary
camp to the concentration camp "Flossenbürg“ and of course also in commemoration of the
liberation of the town Plauen were unveiled.

We, the people from the company "ad astra Plauen“ had planned and organized this event
months before, together with our friends Andreas Bräuer and Rolf Ballhause. We are
particularly proud about the participation of 5 WWII veterans of the 87th ID: Tom Stafford,
Eldon Gracy, Gene Garrison, Tom Burgess and Jesse Bowman. Those guys made all the
way overseas to attend at this event!

Petra Macht
managing director
ad astra Entwicklungsgesellschaft Plauen
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The participants of the convoy came from Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and U.S.A.
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The participants of the convoy came from Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and U.S.A.

8787th2010AprilLiberty ConvoyWorld War IIWWII

  • Veterans of 87th Infantry Division on Stony Elsterbridge in<br />
Plauen. From left to right: Jesse Bowman, Eldon Gracy, Tom Stafford, Tom Burgess, Gene Garrison
  • With a copy of watercolor "Stony Elsterbridge with a view to Johannis Church":  Tom Stafford, Eldon Gracy and Jesse Bowman with Katherine Brucker, General Consul of U.S.A. in Leipzig, Germany.
  • The participants of the convoy came from Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and U.S.A.
  • Became friends: Eldon Gracy with Petra Macht (ad astra corporation)
  • In Falkenstein: The veterans with some kids on Sunday (April 18, 2010)
  • The convoy will be welcomed in Carlsfeld. In the two vans behind the convoy leader are the veterans with wifes and family
  • From left to right: Tom Stafford, Christian Pöllman (ad astra corporation) and Manfred Deckert (lord mayor of Auerbach)
  • The Convoy on the road to Plauen
  • Departure of the convoy in Carlsfeld
  • In Reichenbach on Saturday (April 17, 2010)
  • In Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz:  The German Lothar Müller with Eldon Gracy and Tom Burgess – former foes in the Battle of the Bulge are shaking hands in the background: Michael Friedman, Singer / Songwriter from Canada
  • So many interested people in Carlsfeld on Sunday.  Andreas Bräuer (Organization Team) smiles and is happy about the success of the event.
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