Donegal Student Project
BENEATH THE SNOW OF THE BAUGNEZ CROSSROADS:
UNCOVERING THE MALMEDY MASSACRE
Press Release
December 31, 2025
Rotary Club of Mount Joy Invites the Public to a Presentation of
BENEATH THE SNOW OF THE BAUGNEZ CROSSROADS:
UNCOVERING THE MALMEDY MASSACRE
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from noon to 1:30
at the Gathering Place (6 Pine Street) in Mount Joy
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy cordially invites the public to its lunch meeting on Tuesday, January 13 from noon until 1:30 pm to enjoy a presentation by former Donegal High School student Sarah Brallier and her Donegal High School history teacher at the time, Elizabeth Lewis. Back in 2013, Sarah and a classmate, Laura Hess, created a documentary entitled “Beneath the Snow of the Baugnez Crossroads: Uncovering the Malmedy Massacre”, documenting the story of Mount Joy resident Harold Billow at the WWII massacre on December 17, 1944. The documentary includes poignant interviews with Corporal Harold Billow.
As the Rotary Club of Mount Joy continues its ambitious efforts to raise funds for a Memorial for not only Harold, but also for his 9 Lancaster comrades who were with him that day, and the 84 soldiers from across the nation, including 5 of the ten Lancastrians, who were killed and never came home. Harold Billow, who was the last living survivor of the Malmedy Massacre until he passed on May 17, 2022, 4-1/2 months prior to his 100th birthday, told his story to many over the years, and it is a story worth retelling.
Sarah and Laura’s documentary, with Elizabeth’s guidance, was prepared for a National History Day competition and placed in the top six in all of Pennsylvania. Come enjoy some Rotary fellowship, a great lunch (optional) and learn about Corporal Billow’s story, and that of the Malmedy Massacre in general.
For those who wish to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Gathering Place, there will be a charge. Please contact Rotary President Joanne Pinkerton to make a reservation at 717-653-5911 or via email: joanne@gatheringplacemj.com. Those wishing to enjoy just the program may arrive between 12:45-12:50 pm. There is no cost for this reservation. Space is limited, so please RSVP either way, so appropriate seating can be arranged.
For those who may wish to donate toward the Club’s Malmedy Massacre Memorial project, you can email or call Rotarian Andy Dieck at sfh@sheetzfuneralhome.com or (717) 327-6912.
David Christian
Member-Rotary Club of Mount Joy
Chair - Malmedy Massacre Memorial
Construction Sub-Committee
dave@dcalarch.com
717-475-6006 (cell)