Shifting Perceptions of American Heroism in Belgium

Henri Mignon, an octogenarian tour guide in Belgium, who has admired Americans for their role in World War II, is now questioning the current perception of the U.S. amid recent political events and leadership changes, particularly in relation to President Trump and international relations.

For nearly eighty years, Henri Mignon has celebrated Americans as heroes for liberating his hometown, Houffalize, during World War II. Now, as he guides a group of students from North Carolina through Bastogne, the site of the pivotal Battle of the Bulge, Mignon finds himself grappling with a different sentiment.

At 88 years old, Mignon has devoted more than three decades to sharing stories of courage and camaraderie between his town and American troops. Memories of U.S. soldiers distributing gum to children, moments of compassion amid war, have shaped his view of the American spirit. However, recent interactions between President Trump and world leaders have prompted reflection on American ideals and their status abroad.

Mignon's apprehensions crystallized following a meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where Trump's conciliatory stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked controversy. Once steadfast in his belief that America was a beacon of heroism, Mignon confesses, “I feel it is changing,” hinting at a lost faith in ongoing U.S. leadership and its implications for international alliances.

As he prepares to lead the next tour, Mignon grapples with the shifting tides of perception. His dedication to history remains unwavering, yet he knows these stories transcend time; they now serve as a lens through which current dynamics can be understood. In this poignant moment, the narratives of yesteryears clash with the realities of today, leaving Mignon and many like him with lingering uncertainty about America’s legacy and future role on the global stage.