September 18, 1944: Large scale air raids on Eindhoven
during World War II including bombing during Operation Market Garden to help
the US 101st Airborne Division paratroopers to secure bridges around
town, destroyed large parts of the city. Even with the destruction the people
of Eindhoven were glad to be free from Nazi power. Holland wasn’t fully liberated
until May 5, 1945.
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| Picture from 1945 after the Netherlands was liberated. |
Every year on September 18 the city of Eindhoven celebrates their
liberation with the playing of the national anthems of the USA, England, France
& the Netherlands (the counties that fought to free them). They also take
all four country flags and then march down a parade route along with veterans
and current military. There are also old US military vehicles that are driven
in the parade.
There is also a light route to help commemorate that has
been going on every year since 1945. Back in 1945 it was light bulbs and candles
along the 22 km route, but now it’s modernized with thousands of light bulbs.
To see the light route you can drive, walk, or bike it from September 18th
until October 9th.
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| Here are a few pictures from along the light route |
There is a monument in the market square of Eindhoven that
says “Wie vrijheid wil, moet de ander vrijheid bieden (He who wants
freedom, must give it to others).”
It’s nice to know that there are countries out there that
are grateful for what my grandfathers fought for . . . freedom.
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| Francis Herbert Baldwin US Navy Robert Ankenbauer US Army |
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