Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The American St. Nick - Richard Brookins

Image result for free images of st nick


During World War II, it was the idea of an American soldier. Harry Stutz to bring joy and happiness to the children of the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg by having his army buddy, Richard Brookins, dress up as St. Nicholas and give out presents and sweets to the children at a party.  This was done on Dec. 5, St. Nicholas Day, in 1944.
The last time that the people of Wiltz had been able to celebrate was in 1939, so you can be sure that this was very special to the children and to all the townspeople. They have remembered it to this day.
The story of how the American St. Nick has been honored is the subject of a book called, "The American St. Nick" by Peter Lion.  Richard Brookins, the soldier who dressed as St. Nick, first went back to Wiltz in 1977 and has been back several times since.  They even have a statue of St. Nick...but the one there has an American army helmet in his hand!  I just watched a documentary on this on PBS and in case you didn't see it, I think it will be repeated the day after Christmas, so look out for it. You don't want to miss it! It is just very, very well done, I loved every minute of it, right down to the music.  You may find much more information about it just here.
You know, it might seem like such a small thing...to dress as St. Nicholas for children...but if you go to that link that I gave you...you will see for yourself, it is a miracle what a small act of kindness can do.  
Merry Christmas, everyone! 

World War II Foundation

25 comments:

  1. What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I hope you get to see this. If not, perhaps it will be repeated next year. There is a lot more behind the story, that I did not go into on this post.
      Merry Christmas to you!

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  2. For children in our (mostly Christian) culture, it is no small thing whether St. Nick, Santa, Father Christmas or whatever else he is called, comes to them or not.
    What a lovely gesture of the two soldiers - one of them to have the idea, and the other one to play St. Nick.

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    1. And also, the other soldiers gave up their packages that were sent to them from home, gave them to the children.
      I wish you could see this documentary, it was just very well done.

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  3. Merry Christmas yourself Kay. That's a great story. I didn't know that happened but he sounds like a really cool guy who just wanted to spread a little holiday cheer and I'm sure the people love him for it.

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    1. It was a big deal for the soldiers to do this, they had to get special permission from the Army brass to do so! It is truly an extraordinary story, and one that everyone should know.

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  4. Merry Christmas ! Jolly old St. Nicholas will soon be here !

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    1. Merry Christmas to you and all your family! x

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  5. What a WONDERFUL story! I've never heard of this before.

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    1. I KNOW, it is a wonderful story. Richard Brookins is in his 90's now and is in frail health but I hope he will see the TV documentary and that more people will learn of this true story.

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  6. That's a really great story, Kay - I've been keeping my eye open for it since you mentioned it over on 'ABAB'. It's the sort of thing that makes Christmas special. So - happy Christmas to you all, and the most wonderful year to come. Thanks for all your great posts and comments.

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    1. See why your Father Christmas ornament reminded me of this story?
      I am grateful to you for your kind comments on my blog, and I very much enjoy your English posts, you know I do!
      Happy Christmas to you!

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  7. I am going to check that link out and watch for the PBS story. What a wonderful story- I did not know this. Christmas blessings to you and your sweet family- xo Diana

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    1. Oh, I hope you get to see it, it is just one of the best dang things I have seen on TV in a long time.
      Merry Christmas! xx

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  8. Kay, It interesting learning about this. Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas. xoxo, Susie

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  9. Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing this lovely story!

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    1. Very happy to share this! Wishing you a lovely Christmas in Louisiana! x

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  10. Thank you for such an interesting story, Kay. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year too. P.

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    1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you in Australia! x

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  11. Merry Christmas to you and your family! I love this story. It gives us hope! Just as Christmas does.

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    1. Hope, just as Christmas does... amen.
      Happy CHRISTmas to you and your family. x

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  12. A wonderful, heartwarming story of generosity of spirit...of kindness and thoughtfulness.

    I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Kay. :)

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