In 2024 and 2025 the Netherlands will commemorate and celebrate 80 years of freedom since the end of World War II. For Heerlen this is a special moment, Heerlen was liberated on September 17 and Hoensbroek on September 18, 1944. This year the national celebration starts on September 12, the day on which in 1944 the Limburg village of Mesch was the first to be liberated by the Allies.
Celebration and commemoration in Heerlen
Starting in September 2024, various activities will be organized to commemorate the liberation and freedom. These activities are made possible in part by the 4 and 5 May Heerlen Committee and Hartje Hoensbroek.
Activities:
– September 16: Visit of WWII veteran Kenneth Thayer (99 years old).
o Mr.Thayer will visit Heerlen, together with four Old Hickory officers and relatives of deceased veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend.
– September 16 through November 3: Exposition: 80 Years of Liberation Heerlen
o Exhibition in the city office, Geleenstraat 25 in Heerlen. On display during the opening hours of the public desk.
– September 17: Unveiling monument Bekkerveld
o From 18:45 to 20:15 is the unveiling of a monument commemorating the liberation of Heerlen.
o At 20:30 there is a documentary and lecture in Royal, with original footage of the liberation of Heerlen.
– September 21: Hoensbroek
o From 12:30 to 5 p.m. there will be wreath laying at the monument, classic car tour and music in Hoensbroek.
– September 29: Memorial Day
o At 1 p.m. there is a lecture by former city historian Roelof Braad in PLT (free tickets via PLT).
o At 2:40 p.m. there will be a concert “The Armed Man” by the Oratoriumvereniging Heerlen in PLT (tickets on sale via PLT).
o At 15:00 is the unveiling of the plaque at the Old Hickory tree in Parc Imstenrade.
Commemorative pin
In honor of 80 years of liberation, a commemorative pin is available for €3.50. For sale at bookstore Van der Velden – Van Dam, DA drugstore De Caumer and wool store Ut Bölke, among others.
Program and more information
For the most up-to-date program and more information about the activities, visit the official website: 4en5meiheerlen.nl.
