The Liberation Route Europe, an international remembrance trail that connects important milestones of the Second World War, has launched the American Friends of the Liberation Route Europe. This fund will create awareness about the American experience in Europe, honoring the brave men who went to Europe to liberate occupied countries from the Nazis. Over 400,000 didn’t survive. We need to tell their stories, and share a message of peace and freedom that were hard won and must be protected.
Executive Director of Liberation Route Europe Foundation Victoria van Krieken, said: “War is not only ‘black and white’, not only about victory and loss. We want to show the world that every country that was involved in the Second World War had, and has, its own stories to tell. We also want to show the people of the United States how grateful we still are because of what those brave soldiers did over seventy years ago.” Along the Liberation Route Europe, you will find lots of stories about American soldiers, and is a great opportunity for all Americans to experience the personal stories of their fellow countrymen when visiting Europe.
‘We must honor, we must remember and we must bear witness, together’
As a non-profit organization, the Liberation Route Europe Foundation works continuously on the expansion of its route. Liberation Route Europe is dedicated to preserve the memory of those who gave their lives in order to end the Second World War and bring Europe peace, freedom, democracy and reconciliation. It connects this history with life in modern-day Europe. Multi-perspective narratives are vital in order to fully examine the complexity of World War II’s heritage.
Including the American perspective with the opening of the American Friends Fund is very important to Liberation Route Europe. As part of this mandate it is imperative to tell the stories of Americans who sacrificed their lives to help liberate Europe, particularly as they died so far from home. First steps have already been taken, including partnerships with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and contacts with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
About Liberation Route Europe: Founded in 2008, Liberation Route Europe reaches across national borders across Europe to examine the complex heritage of World War II from multiple historical perspectives and promote peace and reconciliation. The Dutch vfonds (National Fund for Peace, Freedom and Veteran Care) is supporting the Liberation Route Europe.
For more information, visit www.liberationroute.com, or find us on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) at ‘@liberationroute’. For more information about the American Friends Fund, visit www.liberationroute.com/donate-usa.
