Due to the COVID-19 virus, the annual commemoration of the dead could not take place on May 4, 2020, at least not with an audience. During the day, mayor Kees van Rooij placed a wreath at each of the war memorials in the municipality of Meierijstad. This happened at an unannounced time, to prevent the wreath-laying from unintentionally attracting an audience.
In the afternoon ambassador Pete Hoekstra came to lay a wreath on behalf of the United States of America.
The Airborne Committee Eerde layed flowers at the English war graves and then placed a wreath at the monument. This was concluded with the Last Post, played by Hans Verhagen.
Source: Airborne Comité Eerde
One of the many highlights of the celebration of 75 freedom was the commemoration in Eerde. The many attending veterans were thanked and honored for their role in the liberation.
Source: Omroep Meierij
75 years after their first jump, veterans Jim 'Pee Wee' Martin (98) and Vincent Speranza (94) made a memorial jump. They landed on the fields near Eerde, which was the drop zone for the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment on 17 September 1944. They were welcomed by the children of the adoption class from Eerde.
The commemorative jump was organized by the Round Canopy Parachuting Team Netherlands.
Source: Airborne Comité Eerde
Group 8 of primary school "Petrus en Paulus" in Eerde handed over the care of the Geronimo monument to their successors, currently group 7. This class will contribute to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation. The Airborne Committee Eerde, together with the Eerdse Molen Foundation, provided a special history lesson.
What happened on September 17th, 1944, the day that American soldiers set foot on Eerde's soil to liberate Brabant?
Source: Omroep Brabant