HOLLAND, Aug. 6, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- In May of 2005 the Dutch people will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands (Holland) by the Allied forces. The liberation of Holland started with Operation Market Garden, the largest single airborne assault ever, unique in military history. The Allied forces liberated the southern part of Holland on September 26, 1944, however, their offensive came to a standstill at the city of Arnhem, literally "A Bridge too Far".
Operation Market Garden started on September 17, 1944. Thousands of British, American and Polish paratroopers were dropped in the Nijmegen/Arnhem region. Their aim was to quickly capture the bridges across the canals and rivers to pave the way for the British ground forces advancing from the south. The allied forces managed to keep the route open, albeit with great difficulty. Americans called it "Hell's Highway".
After three days of grim battle, the Allies captured the bridge at Nijmegen, but at the key Arnhem bridge, the German force was too strong. On September 26th the Polish and British troops were forced to withdraw. 5,000 Allied and German soldiers were killed in action.
After a bitter winter, with Nijmegen remaining in the front lines and Arnhem in German hands until April 1945, the Allied forces liberated the rest of Holland. The capitulation treaty was signed on May 5th, 1945.
Commemorative program
Numerous activities have been organized to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Operation Market Garden and the liberation of Holland. Some of these activities have been specifically targeted to the veterans.
The main Operation Market Garden events will take place in September 2004.
September 16th: the official opening of the 60th Airborne Commemoration 2004 in Arnhem, followed by a Veterans' Parade. The parade will cross the John Frost Bridge, a new bridge across the river Rhine, replacing the one that played such a vital role during Market Garden.
September 18th: 800 British paratroopers, with a number of veterans in their wake, will be dropped near the small town of Ede. One of the highlights that day is the memorial service at the Airborne Cemetery in the town of Oosterbeek. Dignitaries, including Holland's Queen, HRH Queen Beatrix and HRH Prince Charles, will attend the ceremony.
The main 60th anniversary liberation events will take place on May 4th and 5th, 2005. Holland commemorates its liberation at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam on May 4th. In addition, each province will organize a Liberation Festival on May 5th. These free, open-air music festivals aim to involve youngsters in the celebration of this day. On May 5th, HRH Prince Bernard, the father of HRH Queen Beatrix, will be present at the march of veterans and former resistance fighters in the town of Wageningen.
For more information, please visit: www.holland.com (special interest) www.warhistoryholland.com (online end of August 2004)