We Happy Few 506 in Bastogne – Where family is found

Driving into the Ardennes hits differently now. The Belgian roads are no longer unfamiliar territory but spark recognition, and stories unfold in my head when the first sign indicating Bastogne comes into view. I turn to Geertjan, fellow history nerd, former colleague, long-time friend and trusted travel companion. “This is where this and that happened, remember?” That’s what it’s like now, to go on tour with We Happy Few 506 in Bastogne.

The fact that we’ve been here two times before definitely helps. This is tour number six with We Happy Few 506 in just over two years. Stories stick more clearly in my mind now, through repetition and several military history books and memoirs I’ve read. The added context makes them easier to remember, as do what I love most about these tours: the personal stories of soldiers we feel we’ve come to know.

Despite all that, the history of it all is not the biggest pull for these adventures anymore. What is… is family. Found family, that is. Because these tours are, more and more, a reunion with people I’ve come to care about a lot. I feel a true sense of belonging when I’m with them. Even the people new to the tour belong in the ‘I love you’ category. They make me feel appreciated, talented and brave enough to walk through the overgrown Ardennes forests before collapsing into my chair again. I hardly ever feel as alive as I do on these weekends.

I’ve done a better job holding on to the good vibes this time. But as I called my mother on the phone on Monday morning, I did have to explain why I was crying as though the world was ending. In my defence, I cry easily and feel deeply, so please don’t judge me harshly.

Another one for the history books. See you next time, Band.