Thank you for viewing our guestbook.
Note that we do not take responsibility for any of the entries
listed below.
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Jaroslaw Nowacki
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None.
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Date and Time:
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9/19/06, 5:40 PM
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As the young Polish doctor working in one of the London's hospitals I have met an English soldier who rembered the courage and backbone of You and Your soldiers showed to the enemy and Allies.
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Andrzej K. Maslowski
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None.
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9/11/06, 12:50 PM
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Thanks! I've read this with emotion.
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Full Name:
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Ramesh V
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None.
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Date and Time:
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9/8/06, 1:39 AM
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Comments:
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I had been impressed by Gen.Sosabowski after watching the film, "A Bridge Too Far". The eternal dialogue uttered by the actor playing the General is etched in my memory... "I, am a Pole, considered by many to be intelligent; if that were true, then I belong to a minority. Minority groups are more comfortable in silence". This was his reaction when the plan of Market/Garden was announced. He even asks for a written letter from the British command stating that he was forced to put his troops to service, in the event of them getting massacred.
Even if the dialouge was a little dramatized, it shows the character of the General as a seasoned war-strategist.
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ANDREW COOK
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None.
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Date and Time:
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9/7/06, 7:58 AM
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Comments:
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I feel that mr sosabowski was treated unfairley we as a nataion owe all the pols a debt of gratitude.
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Full Name:
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Floris Timmer
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None.
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Date and Time:
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9/7/06, 3:15 AM
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Comments:
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Is there allready sufficient money for the Sosabowsky memorial in Driel?
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Full Name:
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André H.M. Struik;
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/24/06, 2:25 PM
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Comments:
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I was a witnesss of operation Market-Graden as living in Nijmegen (where the 82nd US Airborne Divison landed and also HQ of General Browning Corps Commmander Airborne). The British planned the Armhem-landing not too well, as General So-sabowski from the beginning has said. Their dropping zone was too far away from the mnain target, he suggested Driel. Later on the Polish Para-brigade has been dropped there to relieve the British para's, who could not hold their own positions any longer. Polish young men were exchanged for British young men,these Polish young men were sent the wrong way. They fought bravely, bur for nothing but to save British soldiers. It was a big shame that the Polish brigade and especially General Sosabowski were blamed for the defeat at Arnhem. Still bigger shame that General Browning afterwards even fired the Polish General. I am glad, being a Dutchman, that our Queen restored the honour of the Polish Airborne Brigade and the honour of General Sosabowski.
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Full Name:
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André H. M. Struik
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/24/06, 1:20 PM
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Comments:
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I still live in Nijmegen (Netherlands)and I was a witness of operation Market-Garden. I always detested the horrible way the British (especial-ly General Browning) treated General Sosabowski, The British lost the battle around Arnhem not the brave Polish Para-Brigade,This brigade was slaughtered to save British soldiers. The battle around Arnhem was totally planned the wrong way by the British themselves. It was not fair they blamed the Polish Brigade and General Sosabowski after the British defeat. It was a big shame General Sosabowski was fired by Browning. Since being a Dutchman I am glad to send this paper.
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Ds. Marten Mulder
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/29/06, 1:11 PM
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Dear family,
My sincere congratulations now the Bronze Lion was accorded to your (great)grandfather and the Militaire Willemsorde to his Brigade.
A few times (in the period 1990-1992) I had the honour of giving an adress to the Polish and British heroes of the battle of Arnhem during the commemoration at the Koning Willem III kazerne in Apeldoorn ( hospital for the allied P.O.W's in 1944). It made me an enormous impression.
Ds. Marten Mulder
retired army-chaplain
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Jose Kwakernaat
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/29/06, 1:10 PM
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Comments:
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Dear relatives of general Sosabowsky,
With my warmest regards I want to say to you `AT LAST` your grandfather and great-grandfather has finally received the Dutch honour he and his fellow Polish soldiers deserved for such a long time.
As my queen Beatrix sald in her speech yesterday, it has been an omission by the Dutch government. Her grandmother Wilhelmina wanted to give Dutch medals in 1946, but nothing happened.
Thanks to the efforts of the late prince Bernhard, the father of my queen, justice finally has been done after such a long time. If he would be still alive it would have given him great pleasure to decorate the Polish veterans himself.
I could see on the Dutch television that queen Beatrix was deeply touched.
I have seen her on television for so many times during the years of her reign that I dare to see that she was very moved and emotionally.
I hope that that will comfort you all a little bit.
I wish your family all the best for the coming years.
The familyname Sosabowsky is something you all can be very proud of.
I am a little bit ashamed that your father and his soldiers have done so much for my country and that so few people has appreciated that over the past years.
I am 50 years old and -although the second world war took place before I was born- I am very greatful to live in a free country because of brave soldiers who gave their lives for my country.
Thank you, thank you, very much.
God bless you all.
Jose Kwakernaat
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Full Name:
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André H.M. Struik;
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/24/06, 2:21 PM
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Comments:
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I was a witnesss of operation Market-Graden as living in Nijmegen (where the 82nd US Airborne Divison landed and also HQ of General Browning Corps Commmander Airborne). The British planned the Armhem-landing not too well, as General So-sabowski from the beginning has said. Their dropping zone was too far away from the mnain target, he suggested Driel. Later on the Polish Para-brigade has been dropped there to relieve the British para's, who could not hold their own positions any longer. Polish young men were exchanged for British young men,these Polish young men were sent the wrong way. They fought bravely, bur for nothing but to save British soldiers. It was a big shame that the Polish brigade and especially General Sosabowski were blamed for the defeat at Arnhem. Still bigger shame that General Browning afterwards even fired the Polish General. I am glad, being a Dutchman, that our Queen restored the honour of the Polish Airborne Brigade and the honour of General Sosabowski.
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Full Name:
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André H. M. Struik
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/24/06, 1:08 PM
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Comments:
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I still live in Nijmegen (Netherlands)and I was a witness of operation Market-Garden. I always detested the horrible way the British (especial-ly General Browning) treated General Sosabowski, The British lost the battle around Arnhem not the brave Polish Para-Brigade,This brigade was slaughtered to save British soldiers. The battle around Arnhem was totally planned the wrong way by the British themselves. It was not fair they blamed the Polish Brigade and General Sosabowski after the British defeat. It was a big shame General Sosabowski was fired by Browning. Since being a Dutchman I am glad to send this paper.
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Full Name:
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Mike Rosol
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/20/06, 2:49 PM
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Comments:
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I am full of respect to general Sosabowski. I am proud that I am comming from the same country. From Poland. I would like to thank all of you who finally understood who were polish soldiers who were fighting not only in Market Garden but for all of fronts od World War II. Thank you very much for all of you- beacuse of you now I can live in independent Poland. Thank you!
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Full Name:
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Michał Rosół
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/20/06, 2:41 PM
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Comments:
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Jestem pełen podziwu i szacunku dla wielkiego żołnierza. Dzięki takim postaciom jak gen. Sosabowski czuję się dumny,że pochodzę z rodu polskiego!
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Full Name:
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sheila van wulfften palthe
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/15/06, 4:28 AM
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Comments:
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This September, my history students at Arnhem International School will study General Sosabowski's brave and tragic history, and write on why his advice and observations were ignored.
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Full Name:
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Gil Watkinson
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/14/06, 6:34 AM
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Comments:
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It is quite humbling to read the story of these Polish men, whose bravery went unrecognised for so long. I must also apologise that because of my ignorance, I cannot read the postings written in Polish, but feel that I must say that I have always held both the Poles and the Dutch in high esteem, as both nationalities are hard working, fair minded people.
It is also refreshing to read the comments from the German ex-soldiers, as surely, even if our politicians are doing their best to spoil it, we, the peoples of Europe at last feel like one family?
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Full Name:
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bill brockmeier
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/12/06, 5:48 PM
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Comments:
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General Sosabowski was, and still is, a very brave, courageous and great man. Unfornately, he is not as well known as those with lesser attributes.
Sincerely,
Bill Brockmeier
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Full Name:
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Willem and Ute Boelhouwer
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None.
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Date and Time:
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8/12/06, 3:30 AM
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Comments:
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We are proud of what the Polish soldiers have contributed to liberating Europe and the Netherlands.
Also therefore we are very glad that at last General Stanislaw Sosabowski has been honoured by our Queen Beatrix and Royal family.
With kind regaqrds,
Willem & Ute Boelhouwer
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Full Name:
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Noel S. Villegas
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/27/06, 3:00 AM
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Comments:
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greetings from the Philippines. Been reading alot about "the general" and the 1st independent Polish parachute brigade.
i readily agree that they were the most undermined soldiers under montgomery and i feel that it was trully an injustice for them to be treated at such.
but finally, but rather too late, the Polish brigade and the general are finally being given rightful recognition by the dutch government for the brigade's invaluable contribution to the war effort.
nonetheless, my heartfelt congratulations to the sosabowski family and to the Polish Brigade. recognition is finally given where recognition has been long overdue.
by warmest regards,
noel s. villegas
philippines
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Full Name:
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norman davies
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/22/06, 9:32 AM
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Comments:
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narescie!
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Full Name:
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Donald R. burgett
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/21/06, 6:26 AM
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Comments:
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I fought in Holland at that time for 72 days; ending in Driel, Holland. I was with the group that brought the last survivers back across the Rhine from the north, British and Polish 1st Brgd
Read "Poles Apart" Copyright 1993 by Geroge F. Cholewczynski. Sarpedon Publishers, Inc.
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Full Name:
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Art Jaszczyk
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/15/06, 1:56 PM
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Comments:
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My father Lt. Stefan Jaszczyk jumped with the Polish Paratroopers at Arnhem ("A Bridge Too Far") on September 24, 1944. He was proud of his efforts with the Brigade and his love & kindness as a father was without question. He lived in Montreal (Canada) from about 1948 till October, 1995 when he passed away at age 83. May peace and social justice be his legacy to the world.
Sincerely,
Art Jaszczyk,
Thornhill, Ontario (Canada)
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Full Name:
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Waldemar
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/11/06, 5:18 PM
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Comments:
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Pierwszy raz zobaczylem postac generala...w filmie "O jeden most za daleko" (gral go Gene Hackman)bylem dumny i zarazem wsciekly ,dumny ,ze nikt inny tylko general mial odwage powiedziec to co myslal o tej operacji i o jej mozliwosciach ,wsciekly ,ze anglicy ( jak zwykle) byli zapatrzeni w siebie a oficerów innych nacji traktowali z góry ,jak póŁgŁówków.Jeszcze przed emigracja do Anglii( bo mieszkam w UK od 4 lat) ,w polsce ,przeczytalem "Droga wiodla ugorem" ,bije z tej ksiazki sila ,odwaga i upór ,oraz wewnetrzny spokój.Dziekuje za ta strone internetowa ,jest wspaniala! trzeba kultywowac tradycje ,trzeba pokazywac nastepnym pokoleniom ze sa polacy z których mozemy byc dumni i czerpac wzorce. Jeszcze raz dziekuje ,pozdrawiam Waldemar z Leicester
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Full Name:
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Arny Vis
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/12/06, 5:33 PM
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Comments:
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My Mother was very much a part of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem. She was in September 17, 1994 a young girl of 16 living in Wolfheze, Gelderland, Holland, very close to Arnhem. My mother witnessed a lot of bravery on the part of the Allies and to this day does not like Germans. Can you blame her?
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Full Name:
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Michalski Władysław
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None.
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Date and Time:
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7/12/06, 4:09 AM
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Comments:
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Dobra strona. poszukuję listy żołnierzy gen. Sosabowskiego.
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Full Name:
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Christian Joachimmeyer
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/28/06, 3:27 PM
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Comments:
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Hello!
Finally the people honored General Stanisław Franciszek Sosabowski. I always have had the greatest respect for the polish airborne brigade during Market Garden. They were brave men in hard times. Treatend by their allies and their enemys.
So, keep the memory alife ... even if you are a German like me.
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Full Name:
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J.M. Borst
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/28/06, 1:59 PM
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Comments:
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Its a increddeble story of Stanislaw Sosabowski,
Iam inpressed by it.
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Full Name:
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Stanislaw Wozniak
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/25/06, 9:47 PM
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Comments:
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The treatment of maj.general Sosabowski further proves how the allies not only sold out the Polish Nation but also reputations of some of our greatest military men to suit their own convenience. Left.Stanley Wozniak, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Armia Krajowa.
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Full Name:
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Rick Meijer
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/23/06, 3:39 PM
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Comments:
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Sorry but my Englisch is not so good.
Ik was bij de uitreiking van de bronzen leeuw.
Dit was voor mij en onze groep (de nationale reserve) een hele eer , en ook emotioneel.Zeker als je een hele week met de veteranen en nabestaanded omgaat.Zelf heb ik hele goede contacten met een aantal veteranen,en wat ons opviel was de vriendelijkheid van jullie allemaal.
Ik hoop dan ook dat ik de kans nog krijg om een antal van deze veteranen en nabestaande te ontmoeten.Ps Kan iemand mij helpen aan het adres van mijn grote vriend Stanley Kulik uit Schotland.Ik zou er erg blij mee zijn.
Sld 1 Meijer
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Full Name:
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Steve Elsey
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/21/06, 4:18 AM
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Comments:
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A most interesting look into Sosabowski. The General was of course most poorly treated and I was glad to hear about the recent Dutch awards being made to the General himself as well as the Brigade group. A good presentation at the Hartenstein on this. Many thanks.
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Full Name:
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peter ijpelaar
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/19/06, 4:56 PM
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Comments:
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i got a great respect for sir sosabowski,becouse
his thinking off the operation "market garden"
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Full Name:
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Arjan Jansen
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/19/06, 2:37 PM
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Comments:
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I am glad the "Bronzen Leeuw "is finally given to General Sosabowski and his brigade. I apologize that it took so long to wake up the Dutch government.
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Full Name:
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Bernard Tomassen
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/15/06, 7:31 AM
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Comments:
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Dear Sir \ Madame
I want to congratulate you that the general is rewarded with the Order of The Bronze Lion and his Brigade with the Military Order of Wiliam, the two highest military Orders of the Netherlands. At last rehabilitation. I also want to congratulate the Polnish Government with this award for the very brave Polnish soldiers. With kind regards
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Full Name:
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Hans Dikker PA2HGD
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Home Page:
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http://home.hetnet.nl/~pe0hgd
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Date and Time:
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6/12/06, 10:37 AM
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Comments:
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look at my site http://home.hetnet.nl/~pe0hgd/pa6btf.htm
it is in dutch...but I think you will understand it !
Hans Dikker PA2HGD organiser Bridge Too Far event PA6BTF
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Full Name:
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H.G. Meijer
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/7/06, 11:32 AM
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Comments:
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Congratulation with the Bronzen Leeuw for the brave General Sosabowski, that was awarded postumously. That his brave Brigade received the Militaire Willemsorde is the only correct thing to do. Henny Meijer, author of the book Bronzen Leeuw bronzen Kruis (1990)
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Full Name:
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Michael
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/7/06, 9:36 AM
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Comments:
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Glad to see that after so many years the General and his men finally got the official recognition they so richly deserved. It is however an utter disgrace that it has taken so long. We are forever indebted to men like these who have put their life on the line to rid Europe from tyranny.
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Full Name:
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Jacek Dziedziela
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/6/06, 3:45 AM
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Comments:
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Szanowni Panstwo
W 1979 roku miałem przyjemnosc po raz pierwszy w kinie obejrzec film "a Bridge too far"
Od tego czasu zostalem zauroczony tematem wysilku zbrojnego 1 SBS.
W 1985 roku zorganizowalem pierwsza w Polsce mlodszoharcerska druzyne spadochronowa w ZHP w Lodzi.
Nosila oczywiscie imie naszego Generala. Nie brak bylo przykrosci ze strony wladz w tamtych czasach ze nasza druzyna harcerska nosi imie generala....okupilismy to rowniez stratami....
Od 1985 roku mialem przyjemnosc poznac weteranow z Brygady: Jan Kaminski, Stefan Zajaczkowski, Lucjan Zuchowski, Jan Wilk, Marian Reszka, Edward Romancewicz, Jan Kowalczyk i wielu, wielu innych.....
teraz zajmuje sie reenactmentem...prosze zobaczyc co robimy.
www.arnhem1944.civ.pl
Serdecznie prosze o zamieszczenie linku do naszej strony.
Pozdrawiam serdecznie
Jacek Dziedziela
www.arnhem1944.civ.pl
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Full Name:
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stan sosabowski
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/5/06, 5:44 PM
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Comments:
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Middels de Intersite wil ik, namens onze familie en de veteranen , aan alle Nederlanders
hartelijke dank betuigen voor de unike week die
wij dankzij jullie mogen beleven.
Jullie habben ons als helden ontvagen, wij zullen dat nooit vergeten.
Leve het Nederlandse Koninkrijk!
Poprzez strone internetowa w imieniu rodziny i kombatantow skladam ogromne podziekowania wszystkim Holendrom za wspanialy i unikalny tydzien.
Przyjeliscie nas jak bohaterow.
Nigdy tego nie zapomniemy.
Niech zyje Krolewstwo Niderlandskie !
Via this internet page and in the name of the family and the veterans I would like to say an enormous thank you to all the Dutch for giving us a unique and glorious week.
We will never ever forget this.
Long live the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Stanislaw Sosabowski III
Grandson of Major General Stanislaw F Sosabowski
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Full Name:
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stefanie
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/4/06, 4:02 PM
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Comments:
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I''m verry happy that General Sosabowski has finally been honourerd. He deserves it.
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Full Name:
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Gary Jucha
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/4/06, 2:29 AM
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Comments:
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May I say through the pages of this guest book, many thanks to all of the Dutch personnel from the "20 Natresbataljon" who did such a wonderful job of looking after the Veterans and their families during the presentation week in Den Haag.
A Big thank you to Major Willem De Kant, .... who made things run very "Smuzely" at the Golden-Tulip.
Regards to all our Dutch friends for your support to the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade, and making the rehabilitation of General Sosabowski possible.
Gary Jucha - England
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Full Name:
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Yon Spangenberg
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/2/06, 3:09 PM
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Comments:
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I just wanted to say that I am hounered to accompany you and all the veterans to Driel on the 1st of June 2006. I hope to see you you all again some Day!
Sincerely,
Pvt 1st class Yon Spangenberg,
Dutch Army-National Reserve.
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Full Name:
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Marcel Hoff
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/2/06, 8:46 AM
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Comments:
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I was in the ideal situation to have met the family yesterday at Driel and Arnhem. I was one of the soldiers who spend the whole day taking care of the veterans. It has been an honor!!! You and your whole family deserve this!!
PS Next time don't forget your sister at the Airborne Museum
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Full Name:
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J.Alexander De Ceulaer
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/2/06, 5:29 AM
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Comments:
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The way the general had to end his life can not be restored. It's obviously a little bit late. "vijgen na pasen", as we say.
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Full Name:
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Bart van Kessel
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 4:30 PM
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Comments:
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General Sosabowski was a great human being and a trough hero. It is a shame the way he has been treated by the English after the war. In fact it is a bloody shame. This man had a hart of gold and courage like no one else.
We are pleased by the fact that he will be honoured, tomorrow 31-5-2006, for his part in operation Market Garden.
My thoughts are with him and all my love goes to his family. We are still greatfull of what he has done to liberate our country.
May God Bless Him and Bless You All.
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Full Name:
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H. Trappeniers
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 2:40 PM
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At last these brave men and their general get some recognition. Hopefully the British will give the Polish also the recognition that they should have. A brave ally upon which the British always could count and ... which they let down at the moment that the Polish needed them to back them up against the plans of Stalin. A black page in the history of Great Britain and that with the good reputation of sportivity ... this should not have happen.
But let us for one moment rejoice that (although too little and too late) some recognition will be given.
Good work Dutch parliament that you overruled an old law to make an exception to make right what older politicians didn't dare to too.
H. Trappeniers (Belgium)
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Full Name:
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Patrick Barkey
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 2:03 PM
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Comments:
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May 31 2006: Finally my government does the right thing after 61 years: It honors General Stanisław Sosabowski and his brigade.
Warm regards from Holland.
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Full Name:
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wijburg
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 11:57 AM
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Comments:
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At last the Military Cross for the Galant General Sosabowski.
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Full Name:
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John Vuerhard
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 2:44 AM
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Comments:
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At last, much too late, but rightly so
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Full Name:
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Rob ten Dolle
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 11:48 PM
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Comments:
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Today is a memorable day.
General Stanislaw Sosabowski and his men will be honoured.
It should be. They deserved it!!!!
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Full Name:
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Rosana Rivara
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 11:06 PM
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Comments:
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He gave value to life, he and his brigade deserve to be honoured.
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Full Name:
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Driek Drost
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 7:27 PM
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It was absolutely very, very brave what Mr. Sosabowski did together with his soldiers in Driel in Holland. I'm Dutch and born in '45 and because of his braveness we al can speak Dutch these days in this country instead of German. Thank you very very much again.
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Full Name:
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B.J. de Bree
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/30/06, 4:44 PM
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Comments:
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Dear sir,
I am very happy to hear that finally you are
about to receive what is rightfully yours:
a well deserved Dutch decoration.
Being a Dutchman I feel ashamed and I think it
is an outrage that your grandfather and his men
never received the well deserved honor and
gratitude from our country for what they have so
bravely undertaken in the fight for our freedom.
I sincerely hope that the ceremony tomorrow will
take away some of the grief and anger everyone of you must have felt about this.
I am fifty five years of age and fortunaly never
experienced the horror of war, but I know that
due to your effort I am living in a free country
and I want to thank all of you for this.
Kindest regards,
Ben de Bree
Roosendaal
Netherlands
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Full Name:
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tony
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 2:01 PM
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Comments:
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time is on your side
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Full Name:
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G.P.M. Léger
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 2:01 PM
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Comments:
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At the age of 14 I was liberated from German oppression by troops
of the U.S. 30th Infantry Division shortly after the Battle of Arnhem.
I feel deeply indebted to all allied soldiers who fought so bravely in
my country, including your grandfather general Stanislaw Sosabowski>
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Full Name:
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Peter Lauwers
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5/31/06, 11:52 AM
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At last justice is done to Gen Sosabowski and his men, partually !!
Next step should be that UK-authorities would apologize about the way they covered up their historical mistakes and blunt lies about these brave men , and honour them publicly .
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Full Name:
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Roel Leentvaar
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 10:28 AM
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Comments:
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Today we honoured the brave Poloish soldiers and their general with teh MWO and the Bronze Lion. Fully earned, but much too late!
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Full Name:
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Klaas Vanderheide
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 8:28 AM
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I want to congratulate you and your family with the Bronze Lion and the Militaire Willems orde awarded by Queen Beatrix on behalf of the people of the Netherlands.
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Full Name:
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Hayo Busscher (Holland)
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 8:07 AM
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Comments:
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'Stasinek' made the difference!
Hopefully the British will recognize this soon!
At least the British ambassador was in The Hague to attend the ceremony. It's his duty to wake up the British government so that they finally can recognize this heroic person, General Sosabowski.
They really earn him and his family something!
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Full Name:
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Hayo Busscher (Holland)
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 7:57 AM
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Comments:
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"The Sosabowski family offer gratitude for this, and the kind emails of support."
You don't have to offer us anything, we have to offer YOU our gratitude!
If your forefather didn't do what he did.. maybe we didn't live how we do now.
My greatest inexpressible gratitude to your family!
'Thank You' sounds too less.
I'm very touched by the fact that 'your' General (finally) received what he earned 60 years ago with great heroism!
My sincere gratitude,
Hayo Busscher
hab@euphonynet.be
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Full Name:
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Hayo Busscher (Holland)
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 7:47 AM
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Comments:
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I'm so glad that many people think that finally justice is done!
I can't thank the Polish enough for what they have done. Inexpressible is the word.
You can be proud of them and we will never forget them!
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Full Name:
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Hayo Busscher
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 7:36 AM
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Comments:
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Dear Sir/Madam,
Hereby I attach my email to the Polish embassy in the Netherlands. The translation in English is below.
In Dutch:
Geachte heer/mevrouw,
Ik wens U van harte te feliciteren met het ontvangen van de 'Militaire Willemsorde' en de 'Bronzen Leeuw'.
Helaas is dit pas na 60 jaar gebeurd, maar daarom niet minder betekenisvol.
Ik was nog niet 'ontworpen' tijdens de 2e wereldoorlog, maar uit verhalen heb ik begrepen dat we veel aan (de) Polen te danken hebben.
Mijn onuitsprekelijke dank daarvoor!
Ze zullen niet vergeten worden en voor altijd een plaats hebben in het hart van de Nederlanders.
Zoudt U, indien mogelijk, zo vriendelijk willen zijn mijn dank en gelukwensen over te brengen aan de betreffende personen of nabestaanden?
(Eventueel via email. U mag mijn email-adres erbij vermelden.)
Met nogmaals felicitaties en vriendelijke groet,
Hayo Busscher
hab@euphonynet.be
Translation in English:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Hereby I wish to congratulate you with the 'Militaire Willemsorde' and the 'Bronzen Leeuw', the highest military medal in the Netherlands.
Unfortunately this took place 60 years after the events, it should have been done earlier, but therefore it is not less meaningful. Luckily Queen Wilhelmina ordered this 60 years ago.
I myself wasn't born until 1967, but from stories I understand that we have to thank Poland and the Polish a lot !
I wish to give you my inexpressible gratitude for all the things you did !
They will never be forgotten and will always have a place in the heart of the Dutch people.
Would you please be so kind to place this message in a place where everybody can read it or let the people know who it concerns?
(You can also name my email-address.)
Again my Congratulations and Many Thanks.
With regards,
Hayo Busscher
hab@euphonynet.be
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Full Name:
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marco
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 7:03 AM
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Comments:
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at last; after 61 years they got what they are entitled to.
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Full Name:
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Johan
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 6:48 AM
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Comments:
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On a very good day May-31-2006 for history, truth and respect: Dear Sosabowski family, I thank you with my deepest feelings of gratitude for your heroism and perseverance fighting the Germans. Also I see your competence to both help but also express criticism, to the English. Being dutch I recognise that. We share that in our missions for the UN now. Also we hope to enjoy a common future in Europe, welcome!
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Full Name:
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ilona paffen
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 6:16 AM
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Comments:
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he was a hero thank you sosabowski.thanks for freedom.
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Full Name:
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Krystian and Peter Zwaga
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 5:46 AM
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Comments:
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Dear family Sosabowski,
Together with my 9-year old son Krystian I saw the documentary film about general Sosabowski. After watching it, a mixture of shame and glory came over me. Shame (as a Dutch citizen) that such a brave man was a victim of political intriges. Glory that he finally did get what he so well deserved. Glory for all Polish soldiers who fought and (some of them) gave their lives for a free Europe. Glory to all the Polish families who suffered over the loss of their loved-ones after the war. Today, finally justice and acknowledgement did triumph. General Sosabowski received the medal of Bronze Lion (for Bravery) and for all Polish veterans the Military Willemsorde. The highest Dutch military decoration. Hopefully the General will have his peace in heaven. My son is very glad that the
General was decorated, he said: "Finally".
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Full Name:
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Alex
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 5:11 AM
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Comments:
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I am so happy that finally General Sosabowski and his men have gotten the honour from the Dutch they deserve. I have known about the bravery of the General and his men for a long time (I study WW2 privatly), and it always made me mad that they never gotten the honour they deserve. Congratulations! It was a beautifull and fitting ceremony I think.
Alex from the Netherlands ^_^
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Full Name:
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Harry Birken
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 5:08 AM
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Comments:
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congratulations and deep respect
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Full Name:
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H.B. (Bert) Scholtens
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 5:03 AM
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Comments:
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I'm very happy that the historical error towards your grandfather, general Stanislaw Sosabowski, has been corrected by the honner and gratitude expressed in the Military williams Order from our queen Beatrix.
Congratulations and thank again.
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Full Name:
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capt royal dutch marines (ret) van gent
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:45 AM
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Comments:
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my deepest cogratulation and respect to the family of Gen Stanislaw Sosabowski to recived the dutch bronze leeuw, rewarded to the gen sosabowski.for his heroes work for the dutch people during WW II
justes will always come true.
cees
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Full Name:
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Moleman
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:43 AM
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Comments:
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Hi
I like to congratulate you with the decorations you have received today on which your grandfather had a right too (already since 1944, the Market Garden operation) as being a hero in the liberation of the Netherlands during the 2nd world war.
Thank you for that.Peace be with you.
May General Sosabowski rest in peace.
Moleman
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Full Name:
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Edwin van der Meer
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:41 AM
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Comments:
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Finally he and his brigade received on the 31st of May 2006 the medals from the Dutch Goverment for bravery and courage!
I recorded the tv program and will put it on the internet asap (emule)
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Full Name:
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Alex Roos
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:31 AM
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Comments:
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Finally justice!!! Thanx for helping us liberting from the Germans back in 1944/45!!! Although I'm 33 years old, I have lots of respect what the Polish did for us!!!
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Full Name:
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Eduard Szarafinski
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:19 AM
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Comments:
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......erkenning rechtgezet.......
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Full Name:
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Richard Gregoire
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:03 AM
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Comments:
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I was born in the year this great general died. With deep respect I honour this man for our freedom
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Full Name:
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Frank van Zeldert
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 3:29 AM
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Comments:
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Dear Family,
I saw the TV-programs on the market-garden operation and the role of general sosabowski. I feel great shame what happened to him and his troups and feel ashamed as a dutch citizen that we nevere honoured his brave behaviour.
I wish you and your family good luck !
The Netherlands
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Full Name:
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Jan Bensliman
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 2:53 AM
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Comments:
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31-06-2006
Justice.
I thank you very much.
Jan Bensliman 1955
son of
A. de Geus - 1921/1992 (redcross 1941/1945)
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Full Name:
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Theo Witjes
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 3:17 PM
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Comments:
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I will lay red corn poppy's on the memorial in Driel tomorrow for the honor of the brave men who fought and died to liberate and safeguard my mother in Driel while their countrymen were being murdered in Warsaw. In all gratitude I must maintain that their rightfull place was in Warsaw in those months to fight for thair own soil. I honor the men who came regardless to save us, especially their commander who new their chances of succes and survival were slim at best. My respect and undying gratitude to you all and the family of General Sosabowski in particular.
Theo Witjes
The Netherlands
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Full Name:
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Huib J. Lirb
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 2:52 PM
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Comments:
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Earlier today, we watched the ceremony honouring both the General and his Brigade in the live national broadcast covering the event. It was very impressive. But so, of course, was the extraordinary contribution of those honoured today to the liberation of our country so long ago. These people - your family, friends and countrymen - certainly deserve our praise and gratitude.
Please know that this was not a casual ceremony. For we noted that the Queen delivered a remarkable speech. She is not often (or actually ever) allowed to speak as open and frank as she did today. Clearly, this was a special occasion. She acknowledged that the sad failure to immediately recognize and honour the contribution of general Sosabowski and his brigade was an historical error. She also made it quite clear, however, that this injustice occurred in spite of her father's (and her grandmother's) efforts to the contrary. She suggested that this belated acknowledgement - this celebration of the military honour and courage of Polish combattants awarded (posthumously) today - was something her father in particular had long hoped for. And in fact the now late Prince Bernhard himself expressed this publically only a short while ago. And now she clearly felt honoured to have been given the chance at last to try and correct the old wrong.
For me personally, I am glad the Queen was finally allowed to formally express our collective gratitude to General Stanis?aw Sosabowski and his Brigade - and by informal extension to a multitude of other Polish friends. Today, I felt I was very well represented by our Queen. I was born in the 1960s but I have always been very aware of the historical debt we owe to the actual people who fought to liberate us. The reason for this is quite irrelevant: I am just grateful and I thank you for providing me with the opportunity to express my gratitude in this guestbook.
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Full Name:
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Jozsi Pietryga
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 2:33 PM
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Comments:
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Congratulations with thh Bronze Lion.
As a son of one of the hero's at the battle of Arnhem I had the honour to be with my mother and brother at the Binnenhof in the Hague on the 31th of May.
Unfortunetly I didn"t had the the chance to shake hands with you and congratulate you with this wonderfull moment in your life.
A small part of the Dutch history in WO II will be rewritten.
For you and me
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Full Name:
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ronald
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 1:41 PM
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Comments:
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i am so glad ppl in holland finaly respect that man and his men.
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Full Name:
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Klaas Spoelstra
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 12:44 PM
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Comments:
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What a respect have i for Stanisław Franciszek Sosabowski. This was a great man. I did reed short time ago over this general.
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Full Name:
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geurt jalink
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 10:26 AM
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Comments:
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old soldiers not dies just fade away
NOT GEN SOSABOWSKI HIS NAME EXISTS FOREVER IN POLAND AND HOLLAND
HIS BRAVELY SOLDIERS LIVES IN OUR MEMORIES
FORGET SO CALLED ENGLISH OFFICERS GENTLEMAN
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Full Name:
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geurt jalink
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 9:19 AM
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Comments:
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thanks i born in free country
thats greatest gift from you too me
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Full Name:
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geurt jalink
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 9:15 AM
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Comments:
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thanks brave polish soldiers
i have born country
shame over monty and browning
the letter both drafted called cowardly polish soldiers and gen.sosabowski
hopely the medals this week given so richly deserved
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Full Name:
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geurt jalink
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 8:12 AM
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Comments:
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thanks on behalf my father,he was in dutch resistance and take part fighting in arnhem
his sister(my aunt)brings still now every week flowers on graves for brave soldiers
the general sosabowski finally gotjustice this week
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Full Name:
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Ingrid & John Slot-Matthey
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 8:07 AM
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Comments:
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It is regretful the confirmation of appreciation for the General took so long, no doubt due to political struggle. We are therefor pleased our Queen made such clear statements. Strong personalities in general are pushed outof sight. Sunday, 17 September 1944 our sister had a bomb on her bike close to Arnhem. Our family experienced those days intensly. We followed all the programms on this issue from the very beginning and intensly enjoyed yesterdays decoration. The injustice that this was withheld from the General during his life is sorrowful.
Ingrid & John Slot-Matthey
Alanya/Turkey
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Full Name:
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Adri Ruiter
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 2:38 AM
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Comments:
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Stan,
at last, congratulations with the recognition of your grandfather as received yesterday from the Queen and today in Driel.
Yesterday, I was pleased to see you were looking well on television.
Regards,
Adri
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Full Name:
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marcel Kerkhofs
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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6/1/06, 1:22 AM
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Comments:
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Dear family Sosabowski,
as a citizen of a small village lying at the border of what used to be Hell's highway I have always been interested in operation Market Garden and keen on honoring those who liberated us.
Although the story of gen. Sosabowski and his first parachute brigade has been known to me for quite a number of years I have never known everything after the war ended up just as bad for him as for the entire polish nation.
Although I am only 36 years of age and was never in the opportunity to express my gratitude, it is still with shame and deep remorse I want to thank you for what the free polish soldiers and in particular gen. Sosabowski did for us.
I hope that the British nation wil also come to their senses and rewrite their twisted version of the events that happend in sept 44.
A thousand thanks,
Marcel Kerkhofs
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Full Name:
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h.trappeniers
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/31/06, 4:19 PM
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Comments:
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At last these brave men get some recognition. Hopefully the British will give the Polish also the recognition that they should have. A brave ally upon which the British always could count and ... which they let down when the moment came to back them up against the plans of Stalin. A black page in the history of Great Britain. The British have a good reputation of sportivity, this destroying of a loyal but critical friend should not have happen.
But let us for one moment rejoice that (although too little and too late) some recognition is given.
Good work, Dutch Parliament that you overruled an old law to give the honours that the Polish should should have got long time ago but some old politicians where to coward to oppose the British.
H. Trappeniers (Belgium)
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Full Name:
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Roland Cuevas
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/29/06, 8:42 PM
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Comments:
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Iam very interested in seeing a translated copy of this if possible. From what I have read about Gen. Browning He wanted Gen Sosabowski replaced by someone very junior that could be commanded without question.
Thank you
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Full Name:
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Job Anneveldt
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/29/06, 1:15 PM
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Comments:
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With deep respect I assent to these honours!
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Full Name:
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Heather Haake
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/28/06, 2:10 PM
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Comments:
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Dear Friends
I recently had the honour of receiving an invitation to attend the ceremony at the Grote Kerk in the Hague on May 31. My father was Richard Tice, an American serving with the First Independentr Polish Paratroop Brigade, who was killed at Driel on Sept. 22, 1944.
Since I will be attending the broadcast ceremony, I may not have the opportunity to meet any of General Sosabowski's family (although I met Michael briefly in Driel in 2004) to offer personally my congratulations on the honour that is (finally!) being bestowed on General Sosabowski, as well as the others who served with him at Arnhem.
Should our paths not cross, please accept this e-mail as an expression of my extreme pleasure at the honour your grandfather/great-grandfather is receiving.
Sincerely
Heather Haake
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Full Name:
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Emil Veldhuis
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Home Page:
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/28/06, 3:53 AM
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Comments:
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I'm very glad that the Polish aiborndivision and its general Sosabowski get the highest (Militaire Willemsorde) and Sub Highest (Bronzen Leeuw)Dutch braveryorde)for their very brave conduct in 1944 near Arnhem. At last!!!
I wish you, as general Sosabowski's family, and the Polish veterans a very good day the 31th of Mai when queen Beatrix will give you the medals belonging to those Orders
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Full Name:
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Paul R. Konys
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/28/06, 3:52 AM
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Comments:
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Czesc Pan,
This past weekend the daughter of Lt. Tice visted Cleveland, Ohio. She was visiting the other American volunteer in the para brigade, James A. Burnham. Jim was the best man at Lt.Tices wedding in Scotland in 1943. Jim Burnham was discharged from the Polish army in early 1944 because of helath problems. He lost contact with Lt.Tices widow after he returned to the United States. I have seen wonderful photo's of the men and their wives in Scotland and the Polish Hospital in Aberfeldy, Scotland. Heather Tice Haake lives in British Columbia Canada and has been inveited to the award ceremony in Hague next month. I hope you get to meet her. She is a wonderful and gracious owman and was overwelmed by the adjulation and gratitude she received from the Polish veterans when she was at the 60th anniversary celebration in 2004.
sto lat,
Paul Konys
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Full Name:
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R.Dreijer
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Home Page:
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http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/content.jsp?objectid=15711
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Date and Time:
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5/26/06, 9:36 AM
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Comments:
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Finally wednesday morning may 31st the official part of the decoration will take place in The Hague.
General Stanislaw Sosabowski will posthumously receive the "Bronzen Leeuw" from our Queen.
The First Independent Polish Parachute Brigade will receive the Militaire Willems-Orde.
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Full Name:
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Hans Onderwater
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/26/06, 3:04 AM
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Comments:
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Far too late, but at last we give the general the respect he and his troops deserve. May Poland forgive us for our chilling desinterest and accept our sincerest apologies.
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Full Name:
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Jarno van Duinen
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None.
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Date and Time:
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5/17/06, 2:46 PM
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Comments:
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I want to thank the Polish soldiers again. Finally they got the honour which they had to deserve much earlier!
Congratulations,
from Holland.
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Full Name:
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Jaap Bosman
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Home Page:
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None.
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Versie in het Nederlandse
Wersja Polska