STORIES OPERATION MARKET GARDEN

Let us cherish freedom

This year we celebrate 80 years of freedom in the Empire of Nijmegen. We reflect on the events of World War II and remember all those, military and civilian, who died during and as a result of the war. Many of them died for the freedom in which we now live. A freedom that cannot be taken for granted. We realize this all too well when we look at the current conflicts in the world. War, violence, hundreds of thousands of people fleeing, their future uncertain.

Their stories touch on ours, from all those years ago.

Every town, every village in our region has its own stories. About the horrors of war, but also about courage, heroism and resilience. We remember what happened, remember all those who fought for our freedom. And at the same time, this is a lens through which we look at the present. It makes us think about what kind of world we want to live in.

A world where people are free to live as they wish, where they can make their own choices and their children can grow up safely. Everyone has a right to freedom.

Let us cherish ours.

Hubert Bruls, Mayor of Nijmegen
Mark Slinkman, Mayor of Berg en Dal