Maastricht, 13 September 2009, windy and occasional drizzle - Today marked the 65th anniversary of Maastricht's liberation from the Nazi. The first Dutch city to be liberated by the Americans in 1944. This anniversary was celebrated with exhibitions, ceremonies and concerts. The city center was packed with tourists and locals alike enjoying this meaningful day whereby many brave American soldiers gave their life to free this city. I'm fairly surprised that it was celebrated with a bang here.
Hence, the World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands. The Cemetery lies in the village of Margraten, 6 miles east of Maastricht. The Limburg Symphony Orchestra performed Dvorak's Requiem at the cemetery.
The opening of Maastricht cultural season were also happening at the same time. At 45 different locations in Maastricht, everyone can enjoy free theatre plays, live music, etc. That was exactly what we did. My Hubs and I were in Maastricht for our visit to the parents-in-law/parents. We had another nice weekend.
On Saturday, an exhibition in front of the city hall's courtyard of reenacting the Second Armored Army (150 men in original American uniforms and 70 vehicles from the earlier days of the Second World War II) were accessible to the public.
The next day afternoon, though, the weather was not so nice, we had a good time as well, went from one location to another catching all these talented local bands playing live on the streets of Maastricht. From rock n roll, blues to jazzy music ;) It was indeed nice. We managed to squeeze into a table for the 4 of us and sat right in front of the jazz band playing in ' T Bassin 10 mins walk from the city center.
Hence, the World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands. The Cemetery lies in the village of Margraten, 6 miles east of Maastricht. The Limburg Symphony Orchestra performed Dvorak's Requiem at the cemetery. The opening of Maastricht cultural season were also happening at the same time. At 45 different locations in Maastricht, everyone can enjoy free theatre plays, live music, etc. That was exactly what we did. My Hubs and I were in Maastricht for our visit to the parents-in-law/parents. We had another nice weekend.
On Saturday, an exhibition in front of the city hall's courtyard of reenacting the Second Armored Army (150 men in original American uniforms and 70 vehicles from the earlier days of the Second World War II) were accessible to the public.
The next day afternoon, though, the weather was not so nice, we had a good time as well, went from one location to another catching all these talented local bands playing live on the streets of Maastricht. From rock n roll, blues to jazzy music ;) It was indeed nice. We managed to squeeze into a table for the 4 of us and sat right in front of the jazz band playing in ' T Bassin 10 mins walk from the city center.
Glad you enjoyed the sight of the soldiers and vehicles. We were representing the 82nd recon unit of 2nd Armored Div "Hell on Wheels" that were the first unit into the city, although the city was finally cleared by the 30th Inf "Old Hickory".
ReplyDeleteWe had a wonderful time crossing belgium for a week, before getting to Maastricht.
The reception by the city council and the people of the city was wonderful and we hope we added to the atmosphere and remembrance of the soldiers and civilians who did not survive that terrible time.
Freedom had a cost that should not be forgotten.
signed
one of the re-enactors