Touching: The American St. Nick

[exoticimports]

In the dark days of December 1944, American soldier Dick Brookins found himself in "another nameless town" in War-torn Luxembourg.

Brookins was informed that the children had never experienced Saint Nicholas Day or Christmas because it had been prohibited by the occupying German forces. Brookings worked with others to collect candy and gifts for the children, and in a twist of fate, ended up dressed as St. Nick for the first festival the town had experienced in many years.

Brookins continued the push into Germany, and forgot about the incident.

But the people of Wiltz, Luxembourg did not forget...

You can read the story here: www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/american-saint-nicolas/

Dick Brookins lives in upstate NY, his famous status largely unknown to the community. But to this day, he is a celebrated hero in a far away land.


The book is a fabulous story of tears and joy and worth every penny: www.amazon.com/American-St-Nick-Peter-Lion/dp/0984637419

Chuck

[nomihoudai]

For some the country is not far away I was born there, I saw the local newspaper articles last week celebrating the return of him. Luxembourg has been very grateful for the liberation by the allied forces, many war memorials commemorate for example General Patton.

[wingedwishes]

Patton was a strategic marvel and loved by most of his men but during peace time, the world did not need him any more. Loved the story. For a warrior to have such compassion seems to separate the good from the bad.