Posted: 7/24/07
Mary Rostad is parade marshal for Houston Hoedown
 Mary (the name she is known by because Mireille is difficult for Americans to say), is from Brussels, Belgium. The story of her journey from that European city to rural Minnesota is one filled with intrigue, danger and, of course, love. |
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
As a young war bride far from her home, the city of Houston welcomed her warmly. Now, 60 years later, the residents of the town will honor Mireille "Mary" Rostad by naming her parade marshal of the 2007 Houston Hoedown Parade.
Mary (the name she is known by because Mireille is difficult for Americans to say), is from Brussels, Belgium. The story of her journey from that European city to rural Minnesota is one filled with intrigue, danger and, of course, love.
As a young women just shy of 16, Mary experienced the invasion of her country by the Germans. The citizens of Belgium already resented the Germans because they had occupied the country in World War I. Maryís grandfather had been part of the resistance movement, using pigeons to send messages to the allies.
When the Germans invaded again in World War II, Mary and her friends liked to find ways to play tricks on them. Looking back, she realizes it was risky to do so, but at the time she wasnít concerned with safety. They would pour sugar in gas tanks of German vehicles, and stuff anti-German literature into the pockets of the soldiers as they rode the streetcars.
"It was exciting, but now I realize it was dangerous," said Mary.
Soon, the pranks gave way to a more refined effort. Working for the Red Cross, Mary was asked to pass messages. Because she was a skinny girl with pigtails, she went unnoticed by the German soldiers.
Eventually, she began passing small arms and ammunition as well as messages.
A Belgian army was being formed in England, and Mary wanted to get there. Even though Belgium is very close to England, to avoid the Nazis she would have to cross France, Spain and Portugal.
"One morning I just started walking," she said.
She went to homes that were part of the underground network, and made it across France. But when she came near the border of Spain, she learned that there were Spanish people who were capturing those seeking passage to England, and selling them to Germany. Mary stayed in France, and continued working for the underground. She was in Normandy when the Allies landed and France was liberated, and returned home to Belgium after that country was liberated.
Mary met her husband, Allen, while working for the U.S. Army. Allen transferred to Germany, and Mary then went to work for General Eisenhower in the intelligence unit G-2. It was there that she learned the depth of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. It didnít seem possible at the time, and still doesnít today.
"Itís so hard to understand," she said.
In March of 1946, Mary traveled across the Atlantic with 400 other war brides, some with young children. She organized activities on the ship, and arranged church services. Once in the USA, she took a train to her new home in Houston.
Coming from a large city, Mary had to adjust to small-town living and to being away from her family. In fact, she didnít see her mother for 30 years. But Houston was a friendly town, and Allenís family welcomed her enthusiastically.
Mary attended nurses training after her children were born, and for 35 years worked evenings in neurosurgery at Lutheran Hospital. She also worked for the Eye Bank of Wisconsin.
"I was a medic during the war," said Mary. "It was my passion to take care of people."
Today, Mary is retired and quilting is her favorite pastime. She belongs to several quilting groups, and also quilts for the missions through her church. When the weather is pleasant, you can find her in her beautiful backyard enjoying the outdoors.
Mary and Allen had three children, AndrÈ, who lives in La Crescent; Denise of Platteville and Kim of La Crosse. They have three grandchildren and one-great-grandchild.
Mary said she is honored to be chosen as parade marshal for the Hoedown celebration. Houston has been good to her, she said.
"I enjoy going to Belgium, but I look forward to coming back," she said. "This is my home."
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