Why are we still celebrating the Battle of the Bulge 80 years later?

On December 16, 1944, a significant battle in World War II known as the Battle of the Bulge commenced as over 200,000 German soldiers launched a surprise attack through the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg. This intense offensive was Adolf Hitler's last hope to alter the course of the war, seeking to force U.S. and British troops to negotiate peace and redirect their efforts against the advancing Soviet armies in the east. The U.S. troops, despite being initially outnumbered and worn down by the harsh winter conditions, managed to inflict considerable delays on the German forces. This fierce fighting gave the Allies crucial time to send in reinforcements, which ultimately allowed them to turn the tide of battle by Christmas 1944. The battle lasted until January 28, 1945, culminating in significant losses for both sides but solidifying the Allied position in Europe, leading to the eventual invasion of Germany and the Nazi surrender. Today, on the 80th anniversary, the U.S. and its European allies, along with a dwindling number of surviving veterans, remember the sacrifices made during this pivotal confrontation of the Second World War. The commemorative events reflect not only on the battle itself but also on the long-standing relationship between former enemies, with Germany now an ally through NATO, symbolizing both remembrance and reconciliation.