80 Years Since Liberation
This fall marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the municipality of Moerdijk in November 1944. In Moerdijk, we will commemorate and celebrate the liberation from September 15 through November 28, in collaboration with various local history societies, memorial committees, organizations, and schools, among others. Almost all of our liberators have passed away, but their stories live on.
Program for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation, 2024, Municipality of Moerdijk
| Date | Activity: Location, Time, and Description |
|---|---|
| September 7–15 | Project ’44; Fort Sabina, Fortweg 1, Heijningen World War II photo exhibition, featuring Cas Oorthuys and other well-known photographers |
| September 14–15 | Project ’44; Fort Sabina, Fortweg 1, Heijningen Saturday: lecture by Rudi Vrankx; Sunday: concert by the Rotterdam Police Big Band |
| September 15 | Living Monument; Markt, Standdaarbuiten Large commemoration featuring 300 residents forming a living monument |
| September 15 | Experience the headquarters: Huize de Blaak/Keenesluis, Barlaaksedijk 4, Standdaarbuiten Reenactment of the British Polar Bear Division in historical uniforms and vehicles |
| October 19 | Lectures and exhibition; various locations in Zevenbergen |
| November 9 | Lecture on November 7 at 7 Schakels and Verhoeven; lectures and exhibition at Museum Zevenbergen |
| October 22 | Timberwolves Commemoration; De Standaert, Barlaaksedijk, Standdaarbuiten Commemoration in collaboration with the school and unveiling of the Timberwolves information sign |
| October 27 | Play: *Geest van de Vleiweide*; Theater de Schuur, Zevenbergen A true story set at the Vloeiweide that must not be forgotten |
| November 1 | Play: *The Puppeteer of Warsaw*; Theater de Schuur, Zevenbergen A musical story about the Warsaw Ghetto during the war. |
| November 2–3 | Commemoration and celebration of freedom; at and around De Zevensprong, Zevenbergschen Hoek A full weekend of commemorations, activities, and music, including events for children. |
| November 2 | World War II Exhibition; Venue: Fijnaart, then Heijningen World War II Exhibition in Noordwesthoek; starts in Fijnaart, then moves to Heijningen starting November 5 |
| November 2 | Liberation Bus; starting point: De Niervaert, Klundert Guided tour through the municipality of Moerdijk, visiting important sites from World War II |
| November 5 | Open House; Roman Catholic St. Bartholomew Church, Markt 19, Zevenbergen Slide show, film, and tour of the basement where 2,700 people went into hiding. |
| November 5 | Memorial Service; Reformed Church, Kerkring Klundert Memorial service followed by a silent march to the war memorial in Klundert |
| November 7 | Lecture by the Local History Society on World War II, the start of the war, the occupation, and the liberation of Zevenbergen. 2:00 p.m. in the movie theater at De Zeven Schakels. |
| November 7–9 | Commemoration and Celebration of Freedom; MFC de Ankerkuil and De Sprange, Steenweg, Moerdijk Thursday afternoon: 55+; Saturday at 10:00 a.m.: opening of the commemoration, music, and festivities. |
| November 9 | Unveiling of the Polar Bears commemorative plaque; Keenesluis, Barlaaksedijk 4, Standdaarbuiten In honor of the liberation of this part of the Noordwesthoek by the Polar Bears. |
| November 16 | Concert by the Symphonic Space Orchestra; RK Bartholomeuskerk, Markt 19, Zevenbergen Liberation Concert, interspersed with video footage and reports from World War II |
| November 28 | Theater performance; SBO Het Palet, Klundert Theater performance for elementary schools (grades 7–8) in Willemstad and Klundert |
| November 30 | Liberation Bus; departs at 10:30 a.m. from De Niervaert, Klundert; ends at 2:30 p.m. at Guided tour through the municipality of Moerdijk, visiting important sites from World War II |