An American Hero Reprises His Role for the Last Time

The people of Wiltz have never forgotten their beloved American St. Nick and celebrated the arrival of an American Saint Nicholas each year thereafter.

You can purchase the book at this link: Amazon.com

(WILTZ, Luxembourg) - In 1944, Cpl. Richard Brookins was in the right place at the right time to help a city heal after years of Nazi occupation.

2009 marks the 65th anniversary of that event, and Brookins will return one last time to reprise his role as the American St. Nick.

American soldiers are much more than combatants in war; they are often the first to offer compassion to victims of war.

This was the case in 1944 when Cpl. Richard Brookins and a group of American G.I.s reached out to the town of Wiltz, Luxemburg, to help them celebrate the arrival of Saint Nicholas — a celebration denied the people of Wiltz during years of Nazi occupation.

It was Brookins’ privilege to play the role of St. Nicholas as he was carried into town in a U.S. Army Jeep.

The people of Wiltz have never forgotten their beloved American St. Nick and celebrated the arrival of an American Saint Nicholas each year thereafter.

But Brookins didn't know that. Soon after the first celebration the Battle of the Bulge took him away from the people of Wiltz — until 1977 when the people found him.

During the years that followed Brookins reprized his role many times. But time has marched steadily forward.

Brookins and Connecticut author Peter Lion will be in Wiltz this winter to reprise Brookins’ role for the last time, and the celebration is expected to be wonderful.

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You can purchase the book at this link: Amazon.com site for The American St. Nick