BU Benelux 2026 Box Set - Portraits of the Monarchy and Change

Bu Benelux 202 - Portraits of the Monarchy and Change

Description:

In 2025, Europe will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation, a moment of remembrance and reflection that takes on special significance along the European Liberation Route. This transnational route traces the advance of the Western Allied forces during the final phase of World War II, from the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, to the surrender of Nazi Germany in the spring of 1945. More than ten European countries are now linked by this route of remembrance, which winds through cities, villages, and the countryside, allowing visitors to discover hundreds of iconic sites.

The journey often begins on the coast of Normandy, where D-Day paved the way for the liberation of Western Europe. The beaches of Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold, and Sword remain universal symbols of courage and sacrifice. From there, the Allied advance led to the liberation of Paris in August 1944, then crossed the Belgian border with the Battle of the Ardennes, a dramatic episode that serves as a reminder of the ferocity of the fighting and the suffering of the civilian population. The route continues through Luxembourg and the Netherlands, marked in particular by Operation Market Garden and the fighting around Arnhem. Each stop bears witness to local stories of resistance, solidarity, and reconstruction.

The European Liberation Route is not merely a succession of historic sites; it is a true cultural and educational journey. Along the route are military cemeteries where tens of thousands of soldiers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Allied nations are buried, as well as interactive museums chronicling military operations and memorials and monuments that honor the memory of anonymous heroes. Commemorations are held there every year, serving as a reminder that the freedom Europe enjoys today was hard-won.

By choosing “80 Years Toward Peace and Freedom” as its theme, the European Liberation Route becomes a powerful symbol: it connects not only territories but also generations. It embodies a universal message: that of peace, reconciliation, and brotherhood among peoples. Following this route means understanding the price of freedom, honoring the memory of those who fought, and passing on to younger generations the responsibility to preserve a shared future founded on democracy and solidarity.

In 2025, the Liberation Route is therefore not merely a historical retrospective, but also an invitation to reflect on the Europe of today and tomorrow, through a unique network that unites museums, memorial sites, and local communities around a shared heritage. It reminds us that, 80 years later, the commitment to peace and freedom remains an essential mission for the peoples of Europe.

 Print run: 3,500 copies