**Bastogne Guide Reflects on Changing Views of America**

Henri Mignon, once a steadfast admirer of Americans, expresses uncertainty about current American leadership and its impact on historical heroism.

In the historical town of Bastogne, Belgium, an 88-year-old guide named Henri Mignon leads tourists through monumental sites of World War II, including the renowned War Museum. For over eight decades, Henri has regarded Americans as heroes, recalling their significant roles in liberating his hometown of Houffalize from German forces—once when he was just a child, hours after a bombing claimed his father's life. He often shares heartfelt memories of U.S. soldiers distributing candy to local children, stories that have captivated countless visitors eager to learn about the Battle of the Bulge.

However, during a recent tour, Henri conveyed a sense of discomfort. The reflections came on the heels of a contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and amid Trump's ongoing friendliness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Traditionally, Henri has framed Americans as the liberators and steadfast allies of Belgium. Yet, with political currents shifting perceptions, he admitted feeling uncertain about the current state of U.S.-European relations.

“I feel it is changing,” he contemplated, ahead of guiding a group of students from North Carolina through the haunting history of the region. The emotional connection that Henri has always felt toward the Americans who had once come to fight alongside his people now feels tenuous in light of today’s geopolitical nuances. Despite his admiration, Henri is grappling with the complex dynamics of current American leadership and its implications for historical interpretations of heroism.

Through Henri's eyes, the narrative of American valor is still worthy of remembrance, but the context in which it is understood has visibly transformed. As the legacy of World War II encounters the political realities of today, visitors are encouraged to reflect not just on the past, but on the changing landscape of international relationships forged through shared history.