Heerlen celebrates 80 years of Liberation

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 we start the national celebration 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

From September 2024, we will organize various activities to commemorate the liberation and freedom we have had since then. We make these activities possible together with the 4 and 5 May Heerlen Committee and Hartje Hoensbroek.

Activities:

  • Sept. 16: Visit from WWII veteran Kenneth Thayer (99 years old)

    Thayer will visit Heerlen, along with four Old Hickory officers and family members of deceased veterans. All are welcome to attend.

  • September 16 to November 3: Exhibition: 80 years of Liberation Heerlen

    Exhibition in the city office, at Geleenstraat 25 in Heerlen. To be viewed during the opening hours of the public counter.

  • Sept. 17: Unveiling monument Bekkerveld

    From 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. is the unveiling of a monument commemorating the liberation of Heerlen.

    At 8:30 p.m. there will be a documentary and lecture in Royal, featuring original footage of the liberation of Heerlen.

  • Sept. 21: Hoensbroek

    From 12:30 to 5 p.m. there will be a wreath laying at the monument, classic car tour and music in Hoensbroek.

  • Sept. 29: Memorial Day

    At 1 p.m., there will be a lecture by former city historian Roelof Braad at PLT (free tickets through PLT).

    At 2:40 p.m. there will be a concert "The Armed Man" by the Oratoriumvereniging Heerlen in PLT (tickets on sale through PLT).

    At 3 p.m. 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.