The liberation of the Netherlands started in September 1944. At the occasion of the 78th anniversary several new Cross Road Vectors will be unveiled in the provinces of Limburg, Brabant and Gelderland. These important way markings along the Liberation Route Europe hiking trails network have been erected thanks to the hard work of the members of the LRE Foundation (LREF) and the financial support of our key partners.
In Mesch there will be an unveiling ceremony the 12th September. Exactly 78 years ago this town was the first to be liberated in the Netherlands. Jurriaan de mol, honorary chairman and founder of the LREF will be present to speak some words and to launch the completed Liberation Route hiking trails network throughout the province of Limburg together with the representatives of vfonds, the local and provincial government. September is the month of the commemorations of Operation Market Garden. Important historical events along the Liberation Route are commemorated, among other things by the installment of Cross Road Vectors in the town of Uden (on September 18 at the war cemetery) and at the important bridges in cities of Nijmegen (September 10th in the presence of mayor Bruls) and Arnhem (on September 9th). The LREF board members Heleen Huisjes and Herre Dijkema will represent the organization there.
The ‘Vectors of Memory’ were designed by Daniel Libeskind as a family of monuments that serve both as physical embodiment of the Liberation Route Europe and to provide wayfinding along the new hiking trails. In total, Daniel Libeskind designed four types of ‘Vectors’ that would be recognisable across Europe (from largest to smallest): Remembrance Site Vector, Crossroads Vector, Wall Vector, and Floor Vector. More information on Daniel Libeskind’s concept can be found here.