Bastogne, Belgium ? Amid snow flurries and a chilling wind, Belgium’s King Albert II honored U.S. soldiers who died fighting Nazi Germany 60 years ago in the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle for American forces in war.

Veterans from across the United States returned Saturday to find this market town that was at the center of the fighting much as it was on that bitter cold December in 1944 — covered in snow and buffeted by wind.

The old soldiers, wearing military berets and caps, were greeted with warm applause, hugs and kisses from a grateful crowd that lined the streets.

“I’m very happy to see so many people come out for this event,” said Miasy Dumont, 68, from nearby Ludelange, Luxembourg. “This is the last time I’m sure. In 10 years there will be no more veterans.”

The king, joined by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., led a commemoration and laid wreaths at the vast Mardasson memorial on the edge of town. The ceremony paid homage to the 19,000 American soldiers killed and about 61,000 wounded in the largest land battle for U.S. forces in World War II. The fighting also claimed 120,000 German lives.

“All soldiers memorialized at this monument are part of the greatest generation,” said U.S. Gen. James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

After the half-hour ceremony which included a U.S. honor guard from the 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, veterans were driven by bus from the towering memorial back to the center of town.

Once there, they again enjoyed warm applause from crowds lining the main street to the town square and attended a sound and light show and a parade of World War II vehicles.

U.S. World War II veterans Harvey Waugaman, left, from Greensburg, Pa., and Raymond Dynowski salute during a commemoration ceremony in the city center of Bastogne, Belgium. Belgium and Luxembourg on Saturday commemorated the Battle of the Bulge, a last-ditch German offensive on Dec. 16, 1944, which was the bloodiest land battle of World War II involving 80,000 Americans who died or were wounded in fighting.

The day began with a parade of veterans, marching bands, World War II-era jeeps, trucks and ambulances through Bastogne. The vehicles rumbled past the town’s central square, named for Anthony McAuliffe, the acting commander of the 101st Airborne division, whose paratroopers repulsed repeated attacks.

On Dec. 22, 1944, McAuliffe was given two hours to surrender by the Germans or face “total annihilation.” His now famous reply: “Nuts!”