Photo Credits: Rose Gunther
The Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center recently hosted a moving historical display titled “The Beginning of the End,” commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The exhibit ran from Sept. 15 through Oct. 17 and was located on the first floor of the library, free and open to the public.
Created by the Consulate General of Belgium in Atlanta in partnership with the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium, the exhibit featured 12 large panels filled with photos, maps, and contextual information about one of World War II’s most pivotal battles. Officially called the “Ardennes Counteroffensive by the Allies,” the Battle of the Bulge took place from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945, across France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It marked a critical turning point that ultimately hastened the end of the war in Europe.
Among those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge was Arkansas Tech alumnus Carl Franklin “Red” Baswell, who was wounded during the conflict and awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery. After a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Colonel, Baswell went on to a successful career in engineering and became one of Arkansas Tech’s most generous benefactors. His legacy lives on through several campus landmarks that bear his name including the Baswell Techionery, Baswell Residence Hall, and Carl Baswell Field. This was for honoring both his service and his endearing impact on the university community. Baswell passed away in 2016 at the age of 94.
For many visitors, the exhibit served as more than just a history lesson; it was a moment of reflection. As a student who spent part of the summer studying abroad in France, I found the exhibit particularly meaningful. Learning about the battle while standing on European soil where so many fought and sacrificed gave me a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of that history and the people behind it.
Though many students may have walked past the exhibit without much thought, it represented one of the most significant events that led to the end of World War II and the preservation of freedom for future generations. The Battle of the Bulge stands as a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Exhibits like this one help ensure that those who served, and the stories they carried home, are never forgotten.
As I left the library, I picked up a movie about the battle to watch at home, hoping to continue learning from the history that shaped the world we live in today.
