80 years of freedom
- 31 March 2025
- Reading time: approx. 2 – 3 Minuts
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. World War II, and especially the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, has left deep traces in the area. Every year veterans and relatives – and of course other interested parties – return to the places where it all happened. The area, with its museums and landmarks, invites you to remember and look back. Various commemorations and activities are organized around the commemoration of 80 years of freedom. All kinds of events take place that are well worth visiting.
Loenen National Field of Honor
Nearly 4,000 Dutch war dead are buried on Loenen National Field of Honor. Military and civilians who lost their lives during World War II or in violent conflicts afterwards. At the edge of the field of honor is a memorial and education center. There you can hear moving stories. And that happens in a special way. As a visitor, you stand in front of a mirror, on which a man-sized film is played. In this way you literally stand face to face with relatives who talk about their loved ones buried at the cemetery. In the other room of the visitor center, you can listen to the experiences of veterans who participated in (peace) missions after 1945.
© Ereveld Loenen
Want to walk the field of honor yourself? Every Sunday at 11 a.m. you can take a (free) tour of the field of honor. You can also take a walk, for example along the QR codes with stories here and there at the graves. For families with children there is a special youth route. Look for the opening hours of the Field of Honour and the center at oorlogsgravenstichting.nl.
More information?
Looking for more information about 80 years of freedom, Operation Market Garden and/or what’s happening in the region around the theme of freedom and remembrance? Then check out these pages:
80 years of freedom | regio Arnhem (visitarnhem.com)
80 years of freedom | Rijk van Nijmegen (visitnijmegen.com)
