In the lead-up to the 80 years of freedom in 2025, the LRE Foundation launched a new ‘Canadian Trail’ at the end of May titled “Hiking in the footsteps of the Canadian Liberators”. This new long-distance walking trail spans from Zeeland to Groningen in the Netherlands. On 20 June 2024, a new ‘Vector of Memory’ was launched in Groningen. Designed by renowned American architect Daniel Libeskind, these memorials serve as trail markers, highlighting significant locations, individuals, and stories on the Liberation Route Europe.
The new Canadian Trail runs partly through the province of Groningen, shedding light on its liberation history and making it accessible to all generations. Visitors walking this trail can follow in the footsteps of the Canadian soldiers, who, with the support of Polish soldiers and other Allies, freed Groningen from German occupation in April 1945. The Battle of Groningen took place from 13 to 16 April 1945 and resulted in the liberation of the city. Numerous landmarks along the Canadian Trail tell the story of the liberation of Groningen in all its facets.
The new Vector of Memory was unveiled in Groningen’s Grote Markt on June 20 with support from the Province of Groningen, Regiobureau Groningen, Cultuurfonds, Nationaal Programma Groningen, Gemeente Groningen, Gemeente Eemsdelta, Regiobureau Regio Groningen – Assen, and FB Stichting FB Oranjewoud. The ceremony commenced at noon with a warm welcome at Groningen’s city hall. Mayor Koen Schuiling of Groningen officially greeted all attendees at the event. Following this, LREF Managing Director Rémi Praud addressed the audience, stressing the significance of remembrance.
From the city hall, ceremony participants proceeded to the newly installed vector near the Grote Markt. This procession was followed by the performance of four bagpipers from the Clan MacBeth Pipe Band in the presence of military personnel from the Dutch National Reserve Corps (NATRES). Pupils of nearby St Michael’s Primary School held a central role during the ceremony when placing flowers in front of the newly unveiled vector in commemoration of the sacrifice made for the liberation of the city.
