Viola Scalacci, Author at LRE Foundation

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église is now part of our network

Posted on October 10, 2023October 10, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

We are excited to announce the expansion of our network as we welcome the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église in France as the newest member of LRE Foundation and LRE France.

Situated just a few kilometres from Utah Beach, the Airborne Museum holds the distinction of being Europe’s largest museum dedicated to the American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who took part in the Normandy Landings in 1944, during the Second World War.

These paratroopers, who were the first Allied soldiers to land on the night of June 5-6, played a crucial role in the success of the Battle of Normandy. After liberating Sainte-Mère-Église, they fought Nazi soldiers across the Cotentin region, eventually establishing a substantial bridgehead that would allow France to be liberated from German control.

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, located directly across from the bell tower where paratrooper John Steele became famous for being hung during the D-Day landings, aims to provide an accurate account of the events leading up to D-Day, from preparations in England to the conquest of freedom.

“I’m delighted to join this network, which is working across Europe to raise awareness of the history of the Second World War and create links between people.”, said Magali Mallet, Director of the Airborne Museum Sainte-Mère-Église.

The Museum is committed to modernizing its spaces to provide creative tours that are accessible to all while still maintaining its educational purpose. Visitors to the museum will be able to interact with screens and holograms, as well as hear music and sound effects to obtain a deeper understanding of the major events that shaped the twentieth century.

Announcing the new addition to the network, Isabelle Lebreton, Director of LRE France, said “It is a great pleasure to welcome the Airborne Museum to our network. This museum is a key player in the understanding and transmission of the memory of the Second World, and it is undergoing major renovations to make it as innovative and accessible to as many people as possible. I am delighted to see it joining our international network today, where it has its rightful place.”

Discover the upcoming Liberation Route Trips in Italy

Posted on September 20, 2023October 5, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

LRE Italy, one of the Foundation’s national branches, has launched a new initiative in collaboration with some national tour operators: the Liberation Route Trips!

Set to commence in the autumn of 2023, the Liberation Route Trips aim to shine a light on the significant sites that played pivotal roles in Italy’s liberation, resistance movements, and the broader backdrop of World War II. Additionally, the journeys will help spread awareness of the Liberation Route Europe walking routes which are located all around Italy.

The LRE Italy’s Scientific Committee designed the first season of these travels and includes three different multi-day tours in various Italian cities and regions. The first trip, from 5-8 October, will take participants to Emilia Romagna and focus on Resistance Movements between the Po River and the Gothic Line. The second will be hosted in Rome from November 2-5, following the Liberation Route Europe themed route “Rome: Open City”, while the third will be held in Milan from November 17-19, following the “Milan, Capital of Resistance” themed route.

A guide and a historian will accompany the groups. This dual presence aims to meticulously reconstruct past events while providing a comprehensive and enjoyable cultural experience.

The Liberation Route Trips will provide an immersive investigation into Italy’s historical legacy, as well as an opportunity to learn about, commemorate, and deepen the Italian experience of liberation and resistance.

“I am very pleased with this first round of trips, which I believe are critical to our Association.”, says Carlo Puddu, LRE Italy Managing Director. “Visiting the locations of the historical events described on the Liberation Route Europe website allows tourists and visitors to witness them firsthand. I hope this is the start of a long line of such initiatives.”

A new themed route was launched in France: The Saint-Raphaël Memory Trail

Posted on August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

The Saint-Raphaël Memory Trail was launched on August 14, as part of the “Saint-Raphaël, City of Remembrance” project. This themed route, which is part of the Liberation Route Europe and is available on its website and app, offers a captivating journey into the city’s history, with a special focus on the Provence Landings.

The city of Saint-Raphaël joined the LRE Foundation network in 2021, demonstrating its dedication to preserving and sharing historical narratives. The collaboration between the City and the Foundation has resulted in the creation of the Saint-Raphaël Memory Trail.

Spanning approximately 20 kilometres, the new themed route guides visitors through a dozen noteworthy historical sites. These locations reveal lesser-known aspects of the city’s history, such as residents’ resistance to occupying forces, strategic pre-landing bombardments, the Estérel coast’s crucial involvement in the Resistance, and the monumental Allied landings on August 15, 1944. The path includes ten Vectors of Memory, a first-of-its-kind initiative in France, as well as educational tables that improve the visiting experience.

“I am delighted to see the Saint-Raphaël Memory Trail inaugurated today.”, said Alain Dubreuil, Director of the “Saint-Raphaël, City of Remembrance” project. “The themed route will play a very important role in raising awareness of the town’s history among Saint-Raphaël residents and tourists, compensating for the disappearance of eyewitnesses, and, most importantly, assisting in the transmission of memory to future generations. This route will serve as the initial link in a dense Liberation Route Europe’s network of trails in the south of France.”

“The Memory Trail’s launch is the culmination of several years’ work and a rich collaboration between the city and the LRE Foundation.”, LRE France Director Isabelle Lebreton added. “Close bonds have been formed, and I am honoured to be present today to witness this achievement. The themed route will hopefully pave the way for future collaborative projects.”

Two new French members joined the LRE Foundation network

Posted on July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

Our network is expanding once more with the addition of Caen la Mer and the Communauté de Communes Interrégionale Aumale-Blangy sur Bresle, joining the LRE Foundation and our French national Branch, LRE France.

Caen la Mer

Situated in the heart of Normandy, Caen la Mer was deeply marked by the Second World War. The Battle of Caen in June 1944 played a crucial role for the Allies in advancing towards the Seine and Paris. The aerial bombardments carried out in the aftermath of the D-Day landings had a long-term impact on the town, destroying more than 30% of it.

Today, Caen la Mer stands as a testament to WWII history, with a number of sites, museums, and memorials dedicated to that period. Among these are the Caen Memorial, which provides a comprehensive account of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy, as well as military cemeteries honouring the soldiers who gave their lives to liberate Caen.

“Because of the history that has played out on its territory, it makes sense for the urban community of Caen la Mer to join the LRE foundation network.”, says Romain Bail, mayor of Ouistreham and vice-president in charge of tourism in Caen la Mer. “We were delighted and honoured to host the LRE forum in Caen in 2022.”

Communauté de Communes Interrégionale Aumale-Blangy sur Bresle

The Communauté de Communes Interrégionale Aumale-Blangy sur Bresle is an assembly of communes situated in the Normandy and Hauts-de-France regions, spanning the Seine-Maritime and Somme departments. On June 13, 1944, a tragic event occurred in this area: a twin detonation from the V1, a new German weapon aimed at changing the course of the war. As a result, the Allies launched a rapid reprisal, resulting in thousands of bombs destroying the region, compounding the already substantial damage caused by the dropping V1s.

Today, the region is home to nineteen V1 flying bomb launch sites, including those at Guerville-Poteau de Montauban and Campneuseville-Beaulieu, and offers insight into the lesser-known V1 offensive of 1943-1944, a poignant chapter of the Second World War that had a profound impact on civilian populations.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that the Communauté de Communes Interrégionale Aumale-Blangy sur Bresle joins the LRE Foundation and thus contributes further to the duty of remembrance“, states Christian Roussel, President of the Communauté de Communes.

“We are delighted to welcome Caen la Mer and Communauté de Communes Interrégionale Aumale – Blangy-sur-Bresle as new members of the LRE France and LRE Foundation networks.“, says Isabelle Lebreton, Director of LRE France. “The effects of the Second World War are still clearly visible in both of those territories, and we will continue to spread awareness of it and its history together. We are looking forward to developing Liberation Route Europe trails there.”

Europe Remembers in Sicily for the 80th Anniversary of the Allied Landings

Posted on July 20, 2023July 20, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

July 9 marked the significant milestone of 80 years since the Allied troops launched the landings in Sicily, signalling the start of the Italian campaign and the liberation of Europe from Nazi and Fascist control. On the occasion of this historic event, the LRE Foundation was in Sicily, presenting the new Europe Remembers campaign in Licata and attending numerous commemorative events.

Building on the success of the previous edition, which honoured the 75th anniversary of the end of the war, Europe Remembers is back with new communication and activation campaigns. These initiatives aim to promote and raise awareness about the rich history and heritage of WWII alongside the upcoming commemorative events and exhibitions spanning across Europe.  

To lay the groundwork for the new campaign, the LRE Foundation was in Sicily the second week of July, actively participating in a variety of events and commemorative ceremonies centred on the Allied Landings. Moreover, the LREF team visited museums and historical locations that are inextricably related to the end of WWII with the aim of shooting videos and creating content for the Europe Remembers online campaign. Among these important sites are the Catania Landing Museum, the German War Cemetery Motta St. Anastasia, and the Catania and Syracuse Commonwealth War Cemeteries, which tell the story of the landings in Sicily and the sacrifices made by many to regain the lost freedom.

The Europe Remembers campaign was presented in Licata on July 10 during a special event organized by the municipality of Licata, the association Memento, and the Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.  

Watch the new video about the Allied landings in Sicily on Europe Remember’s social media and follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up to date!

The Market Garden Cycling Route is the first cycling trail of Liberation Route Europe

Posted on July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

Following the success of the Market Garden hiking trails, the LRE Foundation, in collaboration with Bart Verhulst, the creator of www.marketgarden.cc, developed the Market Garden cycling route, the first Liberation Route cycling route.

Stretching from Leopoldsburg in Belgium to the renowned “Bridge Too Far” in Arnhem, the Netherlands, the Market Garden route is littered with sites telling the stories of one of the largest Allied operations of the Second World War. Along the way, cyclists will encounter monuments, cemeteries, landmarks, audio stories, and remembrance sites. The new cycling route provides a unique opportunity to commemorate and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, as well as reflect on the liberation of Europe.

The total length of the route is 240 kilometres, which can be cycled in multiple stages. Beginning at the Liberation Garden Museum, the route follows the cycling knots system, enabling easy offline navigation while ensuring cyclists pass through picturesque landscapes and traverse peaceful roads. For a deeper immersion into the local history, cyclists can make use of the Liberation Route app, which highlights all the points of interest and their accompanying stories.

“It’s incredibly satisfying to see Liberation Route Europe evolve, now including not only hiking trails but also cycling routes.”, says Rémi Praud, LRE Foundation Managing Director. “The Operation Market Garden Cycling Route is a big step forward for our project, allowing a wider audience to engage with World War II history in a sustainable, green, and healthful manner. And this is just the beginning; new cycling routes will be developed across Europe in the coming months.”

Andrew Goodchild, a former British Army Aviator and avid cyclist, embarked on this historical journey alongside Bart Verhulst and Wout van Aalst, the LRE Foundation’s Project Officer. Together, they cycled the route to immerse themselves in the rich history of Market Garden. Videos documenting this adventure can be found on Andrew’s Youtube channel, Divum.

LRE Foundation welcomes Muisti Centre of War and Peace as its first Finnish member

Posted on July 3, 2023July 3, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

We are pleased to announce our newest member, the Muisti Centre of War and Peace in Mikkeli, marking a significant milestone for the LRE Foundation as it expands its presence into Finland. This partnership sets the stage for cooperation on exciting projects and fruitful collaborations in a country that holds a profound historical memory of the Second World War.

The Muisti Centre of War and Peace is a modern museum that delves into the impact of war through the lens of human experience. Housed in a historic building that once served as the military headquarters during the Second World War, the museum has been transformed into a sprawling 1000m² exhibition space.

The museum’s commitment to sharing war experiences to promote peace is perfectly aligned with the LRE Foundation’s mission. Together, the two organisations will collaborate on a range of projects, including Liberation Route Europe, the LRE Youth Programmes, and Europe Remembers, among others.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Muisti Centre of War and Peace, our first Finnish member, into the LRE Foundation. This significant step strengthens our presence in Finland, a nation with a rich World War II history.” Says Rémi Praud, Managing Director of LRE Foundation, “We look forward to collaborating on meaningful projects that deepen our historical understanding and memory transmission”

“We are delighted to have been accepted as a member of the LRE Foundation. The Second World War is still the most important series of events that influenced European identities. Every nation has its experiences, but human experiences are common. By joining the network, we want to offer our partners a northern perspective on the war experience.” says CEO Olli-Pekka Leskinen, Muisti Centre of War and Peace.

Discover the new Liberation Route Europe’s Trails in Italy!

Posted on June 29, 2023June 30, 2023 by Viola Scalacci

LRE Italy, one of the LREF national branches, has created a network of thematic routes and trails related to World War II in Italy as part of the “Liberation Route Europe’s Trails in Italy” project. The initiative was made possible by support from the Federal Republic of Germany’s German-Italian Future Fund. Taking inspiration from the existing Liberation Route Europe project at the European level, LRE Italy has created these itineraries to provide visitors with a better knowledge of the war’s impact on Italy.

Thematic itineraries focus on two major areas: the Gothic Line in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, as well as the Gustav Line. These routes emphasize significant World War II remembrance sites, monuments, and museums, allowing visitors to interact with the stories and memories associated with this period. LRE Italy has also developed three city thematic routes for Lucca, Milan, and Rome. These itineraries act as physical and virtual links between numerous historical landmarks in these cities.

LRE Italy has included three urban trekking routes in Milan, Lucca, and Rome to diversify the visitor experience. By offering both rural and urban itineraries, travellers can explore a wide range of locations, from well-known sites to lesser-known places of international significance.

All the newly developed thematic routes are conveniently accessible online at liberationroute.com.

LRE Italy intends to continue growing its network of thematic routes in the future years. The goal is to create this network of trails that can be travelled on foot, by bicycle, or even virtually, connecting the regions where Italy was liberated from Nazi occupation and the fascist regime between 1943 and 1945.

A new section for the Canadian Liberation Route: the Drenthe hiking trails

Posted on June 26, 2023July 18, 2024 by Viola Scalacci

In the lead-up to the ’80 Years of Freedom” in 2025, the LRE Foundation will launch a new long-distance walking route in Drenthe on June 28. Following the Friesland Route, the Drenthe route will be the second section of the Canadian Liberation Route to be inaugurated in the Netherlands.

Covering a distance of over 150 kilometres, the walking route in Drenthe spans from Meppel to Havelte and from Zuidwolde to Zuildaren and includes more than 50 stories, 60 remembrance sites and four circular routes.

The new route will be part of the Canadian Liberation Route, an essential addition to the Liberation Route Europe hiking trail network that focuses on retracing the steps of Canadian liberators in the Netherlands during 1944-45. Beyond the military story, the journey delves into the role of the resistance in liberation, the actions of secret agents, and the experiences of regular citizens.

As part of the launch ceremony on June 28, a “Vector of Memory” will be unveiled. These memorials, designed by the American architect Daniel Libeskind, are scattered throughout the province and mark significant events on the ‘Canadian Trail’. The monument has been adopted by the Hooghalen Public Primary School IKC de Bosvlinder, bringing local war history to life for children and passing on the legacy of WWII to future generations.

The development of the new long-distance walking route and the installation of the Vector of Memory in Drenthe were made possible by the Province of Drenthe, as well as organizations such as Regio Groningen-Assen, FB Oranjewoud, Stichting Waarborgfonds Meppel, vfonds, and the nine municipalities along the route.

“The launch of the new walking route in Drenthe, part of the Canadian Liberation Route, is a significant milestone in commemorating ’80 Years of Freedom’.” says Rémi Praud, LRE Foundation Managing Director. “It allows us to retrace the steps of Canadian liberators, shed light on resistance stories, and remember the experiences of ordinary citizens. Moreover, the unveiling of the ‘Vector of Memory’ monument creates a tangible link to the past, ensuring the legacy of World War II is passed on. We are grateful to the Province of Drenthe and our partners for making this initiative possible.”