Edition 2009

The Airborne Memorial Walk, held on Sunday 20th September 2009, was suitable for young and old.

65 years ago, in 1944, the Southern part of The Netherlands was liberated. On 17th September 1944 the allied operation “Market-Garden” was launched. Airborne troops were used to take and hold strategic positions from the Belgium to the German border. By different routes an enormous armada of airplanes, including gliders, flew to the Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem area. Large numbers of paratroopers from, respectively the American 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and, near Arnhem, the 1st British Airborne Division and the Polish Parachute Brigade, jumped from the first wave of airplanes.

An annual walk will keep alive the memory of this, partly succesfull, operation which gave hundreds of thousands of Dutchmen back their freedom after 4 years of oppression. This is why it was appropriate that the first edition of the Airborne Memorial Walk took place in Eerde, in the Veghel community, where a Second World War monument dons the words: Meeting - Commemmoration - Appreciation. Near this monument, dedicated to the 501st Parachute Infanterie Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, an original WWII camp was set up.

This camp was open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Friday September 18th was reserved by the re-enactors for the schoolchildren. Approximately 650 children were hosted. They received explanation on vehicles, medical material and procedures. Living history. The field hospital was one of the favorites.
You’ll find pictures of the Airborne Memorial Walk here.

These re-enactors, who selflessly donate their time and energy, depicted different WWII scenes on 4 locations along the Airborne Memorial Walk.  Many returning walkers gave positive and enthusiastic feedback to us.

The Screaming Eagles of WWII Foundation donated their part of the proceeds of the Airborne Memorial Walk to the Wounded Warriors programme in Walter Reed hospital in Virginia, United States.
Walter Reed hospital is where all wounded American soldiers are first received when they are repatriated from a mission.

The Wounded Warrior programme uses these funds to present the wounded soldiers families with a little extra like a decent diner outside the hospital or financial help with extravagant bills for transport or telephone.
One of the Foundation’s American volunteers, Dick Winters, will guarantee the correct use of your support.