79-year-old George Vine teared up when he received his birthday gift this year at the World War II History Days at American Legion Post 377 on June 3.
The West Bloomfield resident was able to do something he’s been waiting about 60 years to do ? thank members of the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division which freed him and other Holocaust survivors from German concentration camps during World War II.
Until shaking the hands of several 101st Airborne veterans, Vine was not able to thank any of the men linked with the division.
‘To me they are the holiest men on the earth. They have put humanity back on earth. They gave their lives to liberate me. I will be eternally grateful,? said Vine, who wanted to thank the men for the past 60 years, but never quite had the opportunity.
‘I’ve waited for this for a long time. I feel wonderful. It’s just great, the perfect birthday present.?
Vine spent time in Auschwitz, before being moved on a ‘death march.? He was imprisoned by the German military from 1942 ? 1945, before American forces freed him and others from a concentration camp in Germany called Dachau.
Vine attributed his survival to ‘pure luck,? the charity of other prisoners who noticed the need for the growing 15-year-old to have plenty of food, and the strength that came with being so young.
‘Most people know what happened to me. What I want today is to celebrate the veterans who liberated the survivors. This should be their day,? said Vine.
The tearful meeting was arranged when Lake Orion’s Mike Pihajlic, who participated in the History Days, called the Holocaust Center in Southfield looking for people liberated by the 101st Airborne Division.
‘We were looking for people who wanted to participate in the dinner and say thank you to our veterans,? said Pihajlic.
‘He was very thankful. He said, ‘If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be here,?? said Albert Lelonek from Clawson who worked guard duty when Holocaust survivors were brought to the hospital.
Following the reunion, Vine and the veterans shared a dinner and visited.
Vine’s thank you was part of the World War II History Days which featured World War II battle reenactments, flamethrower demonstration, helicopter rides, a mobile Vietnam museum and several military memorabilia vendors. The proceeds from the two-day event went to support the American Legion.