May 2025 - LRE Foundation

Europe Remembers: Update on the 80th Anniversary Campaign

Posted on May 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by Cecilia Badano

Since 2023, Europe Remembers has been actively involved in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Over the past year, our team has taken part in numerous events, exhibitions, and commemorations across Europe.

We started in Sicily in July 2023 and continued in Normandy for the D-Day anniversary on 6 June 2024. From there, we went to the Netherlands for commemorations of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Scheldt, and later to Belgium for events marking the Battle of the Bulge. Most recently, we were in the Netherlands again for the national remembrance and liberation days on 4 and 5 May 2025. From Amsterdam to Groningen, Apeldoorn, and the Freedom Ride in Arnhem, the spirit of remembrance and unity was deeply felt.

In addition to these major milestones, the Europe Remembers online campaign covered many more local and regional commemorations, anniversaries, and remembrance initiatives across Europe. From small community events to large international ceremonies, we aimed to highlight the wide range of efforts being made to remember and commemorate the history of WWII. Throughout the campaign, we created and shared a broad range of content: historical videos, interviews, and reportages. We spoke with veterans, re-enactors, organisers, writers, and participants—bringing these stories to a broad audience on europeremembers.com, Facebook, and Instagram. The website also served as a collaborative platform where people could find and explore WWII-related events organised across Europe. It helped connect organisations, institutions, and the public with accessible information about commemorations and activities taking place throughout the 80th anniversary period.

The campaign is now entering its final phase, with a focus on audience engagement through the #IRemember initiative. This phase invites people to share their personal or family memories of the war. The campaign will continue through to September, marking the anniversary of the end of WWII. After that, we will take time to look back at the past years, assess the wide range of activities we’ve carried out, and consider how Europe Remembers can best grow and evolve in the future. Our goal is to ensure that this campaign continues to serve as a meaningful platform for remembrance and education.

We want to thank all the partners who worked with us over the past months: Vfonds, the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei, Region Gelderland, Brabant Remembers, Region Zeeland, the Bastogne Memorial and WWII Reference Center, as well as the many museums and local partners we met along the way.

Thank you for following and supporting Europe Remembers. You can continue to explore our stories, videos, and commemorations on social media and at europeremembers.com.

New Vectors of Memory unveiled across Europe

Posted on May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

In the last weeks, several Vectors of Memory were unveiled in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France as part of the Liberation Route Europe hiking trails project. Designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, these symbolic markers commemorate people, places and stories from the Second World War that shaped Europe’s path to liberation.

Voorst, Netherlands

On April 3, the Crossroad Vector Operation Cannonshot was unveiled in Voorst, marking the completion of the LRE Canadian Trail Veluwe.

The vector commemorates a pivotal moment in April 1945, when Allies launched Operation Cannonshot, an essential step in the final phase of the Netherlands’ liberation. On April 11, 1945, Canadian forces crossed the IJssel at Gorssel and Wilp. While the initial crossing was surprisingly smooth—achieved in just seven minutes without enemy fire—fierce fighting soon followed near Voorst and Klarenbeek. The construction of the so-called Poco-Poco Bridge became a turning point in the campaign, enabling the push toward Apeldoorn and contributing decisively to the broader liberation effort.

Zoutkamp, Netherlands

A Wall Vector was unveiled on April 6 at the Fisheries Museum in Zoutkamp, officially adding the harbour town to the Liberation Route Network. Unveiled by Aukje Sterkenbrug, the vector commemorates Zoutkamp’s role in the closing weeks of the war.

On the night of 14-15 April 1945, a group of SD and SS members fled from Groningen to Zoutkamp, hoping to escape to Germany through Schiermonnikoog. Despite mechanical failures and local resistance, they eventually got to the island, where they remained in hiding until the end of May. Reflecting on those days as a child, Aukje shared a moving memory during the ceremony: “Nowadays, we take freedom for granted, but back then it was a precious and uncertain thing.”

LREF Program Manager Joël Stoppels emphasized the importance of sharing such stories, especially “in these uncertain times”.

Kornwerderzand, Netherlands

A new Crossroad Vector was unveiled on 18 April at the Kazemattenmuseum on the Afsluitdijk, marking 80 years since Canadian forces broke through German defences at this strategic location.

As one of the last open routes into North Holland, the Afsluitdijk had been heavily fortified with bunkers and anti-aircraft guns. With support from local resistance, the Canadians launched a precise artillery and air assault on 18 April 1945, defeating the German troops swiftly and without suffering losses. The victory paved the way for the liberation of Friesland and the northern Netherlands. The new vector now marks the very spot where these events unfolded.

Eemsdelta, Netherlands

On 2 May, another Crossroad Vector was unveiled in the municipality of Eemsdelta to commemorate the final battle on Dutch soil. In the spring of 1945, In the spring of 1945, Canadian troops fought fiercely to liberate the port city of Delfzijl, still under heavy German control. Among the guests was 100-year-old veteran Jim Parks, who was injured during the battle and returned to Delfzijl to take part in the ceremony.

Schumannseck, Luxembourg

At Schumannseck, in the Parc Naturel de la Haute-Sûre, a National Memorial Site was unveiled on May 16th. Schumannseck was the scene of fierce fighting during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-1945. The vector commemorates the thousands who lost their lives there.

The unveiling brought together local, national and European representatives, featuring several speeches and a powerful contribution by students from the Lycée du Nord.

Calais, France

The first Vector of Memory in the Hauts-de-France region was unveiled on 21 May, in front of the Musée Mémoire 39–45 in Calais. This new addition marks an important milestone in preserving and sharing local wartime history, expanding the Liberation Route Europe across this region in France.

Arromanches-les-Bains, France

Looking ahead, a Wall Vector will be inaugurated on June 7, 2025, in Arromanches-les-Bains, on the 11th anniversary of the Liberation Route Europe. This will be the first Wall Vector in France, placed symbolically in the town where the project was launched in June 2014. The unveiling will celebrate the strong historical and emotional connection between LRE and Arromanches.

Each of these new Vectors strengthens the Liberation Route Europe’s mission to connect historic sites and local communities across the continent. As the network continues to grow, these markers not only honour the memory of the past but also invite future generations to reflect on the values of freedom, resilience, and peace.

A new LRE trail: the Timberwolves Cycling Route commemorating American Liberators in West Brabant

Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

On May 5th, the latest addition to the Liberation Route Brabant network was launched: the Timberwolves Cycling Route. This 91-kilometre route leads cyclists through historical locations across West Brabant that played a key role during the region’s liberation in the Second World War.

Developed as part of Brabant Herinnert‘s ongoing efforts to bring wartime stories to life and to pass on the memory of the Second World War to future generations, the route was made possible thanks to the support of Brabant Partners and the collaboration with the municipalities of Etten-Leur, Halderberge, Moerdijk, Rucphen, and Zundert.

The cycling route is named after the 104th Infantry Division of the United States Army, nicknamed the Timberwolves. The division played a crucial role in liberating West Brabant from German occupation. Operating with professionalism under Canadian command, the Timberwolves’ involvement was a rare example of international cooperation in military history.

Between October and November 1944, the Timberwolves faced fierce combat in towns such as Zundert, Wernhout, Achtmaal, and Standdaarbuiten. Around 170 young American soldiers lost their lives in the effort to free the region. The Timberwolves Cycling Route pays tribute to their legacy and to the exceptional acts of bravery displayed by many. The words of their commander, General Terry Allen, still echo today: “Nothing in hell can stop the Timberwolves.”

The cycling route is the tenth route in the Liberation Route Brabant network. “With the launch of the Timberwolves Cycling Route, the liberation story of West Brabant gains more depth and coherence,” says Caroline Belt, programme director of Brabant Herinnert. “The cooperation of different nationalities under one flag, the perseverance of the often young soldiers – these are inspiring stories that, through this route, are given a strong place in the landscape and in the broader narrative of Brabant’s liberation.”

The Timberwolves Cycling Route is divided in two loops: North (44 km) and South (52 km) and is integrated into the North Brabant cycling junction network. The route is suitable for both recreational and history-minded cyclists, combining beautiful landscapes with stories of heroism, hardship and liberation.

Three new Liberation Route Europe trails: Scottish Highlanders cycling routes in North Brabant

Posted on May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 by Viola Scalacci

On May 5, Liberation Day in the Netherlands, new bicycle routes will be launched in the municipalities of Heusden, Waalwijk, Meierijstad, Boxtel and Sint Michielsgestel: The Scottish Highlanders Cycling Routes, part of the international Liberation Route Europe route network.

Developed in cooperation with the municipalities of Heusden, Waalwijk, Meierijstad, Boxtel and Sint Michielsgestel and military historian Jack Didden, the project aims to educate the public about local history. The initiative includes bicycle routes of 38, 35 and 42 kilometers that follow the trail of the Scottish Highland Division soldiers who liberated the municipalities during World War II.

A total of 35 points of interest are on the route that tell different stories and shed light on the role the Scottish Highlanders played during the liberation. Cyclists will pass historical sites along the way and learn more about the lesser-known stories from the last phase of the war, from both military and civilian perspectives.

“Vectors of Memory” have been placed along the route to mark the specific places where history took place. For more information on local history, cyclists can use the Liberation Route app, which highlights all the landmarks and their accompanying stories.

“These bicycle routes offer a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scottish Highlanders and their role during the liberation of the Netherlands. While cycling you will gain insight into local history and learn that the Highlanders played a crucial role in the victory of the Allies, something important to never forget,” said Wout van Aalst, Project Officer at LRE Foundation.

To mark the launch, special events will take place across the region on May 5th. In Heusden, a ceremony will be held at the Pijlsmonument in Drunen with remarks by Mayor Willemijn van Hees and historian Jack Didden, followed by a group bike ride to Griesbergen. In Meierijstad, 20 cyclists will ride from Wijbosch to Liempde, where a reception with local officials will take place. The event will culminate with the unveiling of the Wall Vector at the Liberation Monument “Wijbosch Herineert” and a Freedom Lunch. In the afternoon, Mayor Sacha Ausems and Jack Didden will launch the route in Waalwijk at the Kropholler Raadhuis.