2012 Tree Lighting Ceremony

Each year since 1999 it has been the tradition of the Belgian communes of Büllingen and Bütchenbach to donate a tree to the Embassy in remembrance of the friendship developed during the Battle of the Bulge. This year the tree comes from Büllingen and Mr. Friedhelm Wirtz as a representative of that commune, lighted the tree together with Ambassador Gutman. The tree grew at the site of the Battle of the Bulge battlefield near the towns of Rocherath and Krinkelt, located in the Communes of Büllingen and Bütgenbach. At the same ceremony, a menorah was also lit to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.