Abstract
The exhibition "80 Years of Liberation: From Operation Market Garden to the Rhineland Offensive" has recently opened at the Museum Forum Arenacum. It honors the role of the Allied forces, particularly Canadian soldiers, in liberating the region between Nijmegen and Kleve during World War II. Special emphasis is placed on Canada's contributions to ending Nazi rule and bringing peace to the region.
The term "liberation" in the context of the end of World War II was notably shaped by former German President Richard von Weizsäcker, who, in 1985, described it as the liberation of Germany from the tyranny of the Third Reich. This term has since become an important part of Dutch collective memory, though it's interpreted differently in Germany.
The exhibition covers key historical events, such as Operation Market Garden in September 1944, securing the Nijmegen bridge, and Operation Veritable in February 1945, leading to the final liberation of Kleve. The multimedia exhibit, using photos, films, maps, paintings, and music, highlights the impact of war on both nature and humanity. One striking image shows the environmental damage caused by the flooding of the Düffel region, underscoring the toll of war on both people and the environment.
Frank Mehring, the volunteer museum director, opened the exhibit with a focus on universal human emotions like longing, love, and loss during wartime. His rendition of "Lili Marleen" in several languages symbolized shared human experiences across borders. Deputy Mayor Joachim Schmidt emphasized the exhibition’s importance for Kleve, noting the transformation of war-torn spaces into peaceful public areas and stressing the significance of remembering history.
Joseph Gieteman, chairman of the cultural association Arenacum, thanked volunteers and supporters for their role in bringing the exhibit to life. He acknowledged the collaboration with organizations like Euregio Rhein/Waal and Airborne Vrienden Groesbeek, highlighting the importance of preserving history for future generations.
The exhibition, open until February 25, 2025, uses diverse media to present the liberation story, urging visitors to remember the past and work for a peaceful future. It serves as a powerful multimedia memorial that connects historical events to current efforts toward peace.
