[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             HONORING THE LIBERATION OF MAASTRICHT, HOLLAND

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to call to the attention of the U.S. 
Congress a special group and its celebration of a historic event.
  This September marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of 
Maastricht, Holland, by elements of the 30th Infantry Division of the 
U.S. Army. The city of Maastricht was the first Dutch community 
liberated from Nazi occupation, and it would take 9 months to overcome 
the ferocious counterattack by the enemy. More than 76,000 American 
troops lost their lives in the Ardennes, in the final and bloodiest 
Nazi onslaught that became known as the Battle of the Bulge.
  During the opening days of this military campaign, a moving relation 
was formed among the American troops and the Dutch people. Ten years 
earlier in 1934, a jeweler from the city of Maastricht named Knijf 
founded an athletic club known as AV34--Athletiekverening. This 
physical fitness program for the area's youth was suspended and 
disrupted by the advent of Nazi occupation in 1940. When Maastricht was 
finally liberated 5 years later, AV34 was reborn as an athletic club 
with an added, noble cause--to pay homage to the soldiers who fought 
and died to free their homeland.
  Over the years, the members of AV34 and the American troops who 
liberated Holland have participated in a series of special events. The 
first dedication was a torch designed by Mr. Knijf that was carried in 
a relay from Maastricht to the American military cemetery in Margraten, 
some 6 miles away. That initial run of the Liberation Torch has evolved 
into a 600-mile relay run from Omaha Beach in Caen, through western 
France following the battle route of the 30th Infantry Division to 
Holland. Every 5 years, members of AV34 are joined by veterans and 
athletes from around the world to run this course.
  Members of AV34 have also visited our shores, participating in a 
commemorative run dubbed Torch 200 during the U.S. bicentennial, and in 
1986 for the ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the Statue of 
Liberty.
  Again this year, American veterans will travel to Europe to mark the 
liberation of Maastricht. Just as the ceremonies marking the 50th 
anniversary of D-day revived memories and evoked emotions, the 
ceremonies in Maastricht will highlight five decades of brotherhood and 
freedom.
  At this time, I must commend the efforts of one American veteran who 
has dedicated his time and energy to continuing the special 
relationship with AV34. Philip Capotorto, a resident of my home borough 
of the Bronx, served with distinction in Holland and literally acts as 
a living tribute to the men who fought there.
  To Philip Capotorto and all the members of AV34, I extend my 
congratulations and best wishes. I am sure my constituents and the 
American people share this sense of gratitude and admiration. Your 
efforts are not forgotten, and your courage will live on throughout 
history.

                          ____________________