The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge – Kansas Chapter held their annual reunion at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, KS on January 24, 2015.  Twenty five (25) Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and another six (6) WWII Veterans.

According to newspaper reports there were approximately 350 people in attendance.  Chapter President Mark Collins had 175 registered, but the weather cooperated and there was excellent media coverage.  The Kansas Chapter provides a free 8×10 photo of each WWII Veteran (also his family if there).  Following individual and group photos a panel discussion was held before moving to the Presidential Library for a buffet lunch.

The Kansas Chapter also dedicated a bench which sets directly across from Ike’s statue and centered between the library and museum.  “It is the best location that we could have ask for” said Chapter President Mark Collins.  Over 150,000 visitors visit the Eisenhower Center each year.  The granite bench will be there for years and allow people to sit in the rose garden and look at Ike’s statue.  The Kansas Chapter will be trying to get another bench on the state capitol grounds in Topeka.  It was a very successful 70^th anniversary in Kansas!

Mark Collins, Past President