Category Archives: Commentary

Comments and narration presented by the publisher.

WWII Veteran Charles ‘Chick’ Bruns dies at 98

Charles ‘Chick’ Bruns who kept this WWII diary, took all the photographs, collected post cards and shared loving letters with his parents died today at the age of 98. Chick was a lifelong resident of Champaign and graduated from Champaign … Continue reading

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Closing Comment

Yesterday, after almost 3 years, my father’s WWII Diary came to a close and my daily journey with dad concluded;  but my journey with his experiences will continue.   My hope is to continue to publish photos, video and audio … Continue reading

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French Legion of Honor Presentation

On Friday, February 27, 2015,  Vincent Floreani, Consul General of France in Chicago presented Charles ‘Chick’ Bruns with the Legion of Honor medal. The Legion of Honor is France’s highest distinction and through this award, the French government pays tribute … Continue reading

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Local news paper features ‘Chick’

The News Gazette is a main stay in the local press for central Illinois. Today on the front page they featured one of their own, Charles ‘Chick’ Bruns.  Chick worked at the News Gazette for 39 years after his service … Continue reading

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Charles Bruns recipient of French Legion of Honor

WWII Veteran Charles ‘Chick’ Bruns of Champaign IL was selected and appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction. Through this award, the French government pays tribute to the soldiers who did so much … Continue reading

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Missed Letter – November 19, 1944

A letter dated  November 19, 1944 was found and has now been published.  You can read it here.

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Missed Posts

Today I discovered that there were 2 diary entries that were not published on the scheduled days.   Here they are if you would like to go back and read them. September 23, 1944 July 19, 1944

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Happy 95th Birthday ‘Chick’

Today is Chick Bruns 95th Birthday.  Every day he reads this diary, the first time since he wrote it 70 years ago. Dad, this is your Birthday Greeting from the hundreds of diary followers you have.  Thanks for documenting your … Continue reading

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Chick honored by French WWII Reenactment Association

The French Association, Rock of the Marne, has named Charles “Chick” Bruns an honorary member at their annual meeting held in Holtzwihr, France. Organized in 1991, the Rock of the Marne Association aims to bring together collectors of uniforms, equipment, … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday Chick

Today is Chick’s 94th Birthday.   As a member of ‘the greatest generation’ we owe so much to the men and women who served in WWII. Happy Birthday Dad!

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