With the performance ‘We'll meet again’, singing trio The Forces Sweethearts reflects on 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. Memories are brought to life thanks to beautiful stories and anecdotes from the time surrounding World War II. All this will be framed musically by music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Think of the big hits by Vera Lynn, Doris Day and, of course, The Andrews Sisters. Do you remember them? ‘Bei mir bist du schon’, ‘Rum and coca cola’, ‘Those were the days’ and of course ‘We'll meet again’! Thanks to their beautiful three-part vocals, swinging dance moves and stylish outfits, The Forces Sweethearts will make this performance a feast of recognition and allow us to reflect together on this special milestone.

The Netherlands

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

18 agosto 1944. Una ragazza di ventidue anni, si chiama Iris Versari, si toglie la vita dopo aver ucciso un Ss. Si spara per consentire ai suoi compagni partigiani di sfuggire alla milizia di fascisti e nazisti che ha scoperto, forse grazie a una spiata, il loro rifugio nelle montagne della Romagna. Il libro è il racconto della vita di una partigiana che è stata, in primo luogo, una ragazza ribelle. Ribelle al fascismo, ribelle alle convenzioni del suo tempo, allo stereotipo della donna durante il regime, ai limiti che la stessa cultura resistenziale imponeva al ruolo delle partigiane. Iris è in battaglia, allo stesso modo dei suoi compagni. Compie le azioni, armi in mano, e non esita a uccidere. È nella banda del leggendario Corbari, capo partigiano poco incline ai comandi, alla disciplina, all’ubbidienza, con il quale lei vive una intensa relazione. Sullo sfondo le storie dei compagni della banda, della famiglia di Iris distrutta dalla sua scelta, delle tensioni tra i partigiani, dell’orrore della repressione degli occupanti e dei fascisti. Nonostante il sacrificio della Versari non riusciranno a sfuggire alla morte, Corbari e gli altri, quel giorno di agosto del 1944. I loro corpi, con quello di Iris, verranno esposti, impiccati, in una piazza di Forlì. Veltroni conclude il suo racconto del triennio italiano più drammatico con la storia di una combattente per la libertà, di una donna coraggiosa e libera.

Italy

 presentazione del libro “Iris, la libertà” (Rizzoli, 2025) con l’autore Walter Veltroni.

Half-marathon across both banks of the Meuse between the bridges at Grave and Heumen, which were of great importance during World War II. Entry fee: €15.00.

Bridge2Bridgerun

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again' - 80 years freedom

Proiezione di filmati originali e in parte inediti sul fondamentale contributo delle truppe neozelandesi alla liberazione dell’Emilia-Romagna, con particolare attenzione su Faenza, il fronte del Senio, Forlì e l’avanzata oltre Cotignola, Sant’Agata sul Santerno, Massa Lombarda, Sesto Imolese e non solo. Evento organizzato in collaborazione con l'Associazione Senio River 1944-1945" e incluso nella rassegna di incontri “Italian Victory 1944-45” a cura di Marco Dalmonte e Candido Parrucci

“Italian Victory 1944-45 - Appuntamento speciale a tema: le truppe neozelandesi nella Liberazione dell’Emilia-Romagna

<h4>Part 1: Smuggling Reenactment &amp; Procession (26 April, 1-4pm)</h4>Feel the pulse of history as a dramatic boat-smuggling reenactment unfolds. Join the procession from Norman’s Warehouse to Gorey Pier, following a horse-drawn cart symbolizing wartime escapes. Along the way, musical performances will bring the story to life, with stops at Georgetown, Grouville Church, and Gorey Church.After D-Day, brave Jersey men risked their lives to escape Nazi-occupied Jersey for France. Relive this compelling history as musicians and reenactors tell their story through song and procession, blending heritage and artistry for an unforgettable afternoon.<hr><h4>Part 2: Granville RIB Adventure &amp; Concert (17 May, 8:30am–1:30pm)</h4>Recreate the daring escape from Jersey to France aboard a high-speed RIB departing Gorey at 8:30am. Cross the Channel to the beautiful port of Granville, where you’ll explore the historic town and attend a stirring event at Notre-Dame de Granville (11:30am–12:15pm). Through dramatic readings and live music, the stories of escapees come vividly to life.Return to Jersey by 1:30pm, but the adventure doesn’t end there! Join us for Part 3, an evening concert at Gouray Church (6pm) where a renowned string quartet will perform a captivating program inspired by the seas.<hr><h4>Part 3: The Gorey Story &amp; Boat Launch (17 May, 6–7:30pm)</h4>End your journey with an emotionally charged concert at Gouray Church featuring acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie, violist Dorothea Vogel, and cellist Urška Horvat. Immerse yourself in hauntingly beautiful music inspired by the courage of those who fled Jersey by boat between 1944-1945.As night falls, witness the ceremonial launch of the escape boat at Gorey Harbour (7:30pm), a symbolic tribute to the spirit of resilience and hope that defined this pivotal time in history.<hr>✨ Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey into history, brought to life with music, adventure, and storytelling.📅 For Tickets: Call 01534 761767 or visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.musicjersey.com">www.musicjersey.com</a>.

Jersey

Escape to France: A Three-part Experience

Il volume vuole colmare la mancanza di uno studio che metta in relazione, in maniera organica, i molteplici aspetti della guerra di Liberazione e del passaggio del conflitto nell’area collinare faentina. I sette saggi storici inediti realizzati dai ricercatori coinvolti indagano l’occupazione tedesca e l’attività repressiva; il collaborazionismo, il governo della Repubblica Sociale Italiana e dei reparti armati fascisti; la Resistenza, sia dal punto di vista politico-organizzativo che militare; le truppe alleate; la difficile situazione dei civili, tra sfollamenti bombardamenti e stragi

presentazione del libro “La guerra in collina. Eserciti, civili e partigiani nell’Appennino faentino 1943-1945”

<h2 style="text-align: start">PROGRAMME</h2><h4 style="text-align: start">From Tempelhof to Karlshorst Historical bike tour to the site of the surrender on May 8, 1945</h4>On 8 May 1945, the delegations of the victorious powers and the German Wehrmacht landed at Tempelhof Airport to sign the surrender. From there, they travelled through the destroyed city of Berlin to the eastern district of Karlshorst. The surrender was to take place in the Soviet headquarters, a former Wehrmacht officers’ mess.A bicycle tour of around 15 kilometres follows this historic route. During an introduction at the starting point, participants can learn more about the history of the end of the war in Berlin at the time. A route map provides in-depth information on interesting points along the way.Start time: 10 amMeeting point: Platz der Luftbrücke 5 / forecourt of the former departure hall of Tempelhof AirportRegistration is required at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de">kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de</a>. The number of participants is limited.<h4 style="text-align: start">Opening of the photo exhibition ‘The last year of the war. June 1944-May 1945 from the perspective of Soviet war photographers’ 11 am</h4>Photo correspondents from the various Soviet republics captured the advance of the Red Army in pictures. In the exhibition, more than 50 photographs document this route at different sections of the front – from Karelia via Estonia and Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, East Prussia, Hungary, Austria and Czechoslovakia to the east of the German Reich. They show destruction and human suffering, the Majdanek concentration and extermination camp liberated by the Red Army, the march of German prisoners of war through Moscow, as well as the successive ends of the war in Bucharest, Belgrade, Katowice, Budapest, Königsberg and Danzig.The photographs of the surrender of the Wehrmacht in Berlin-Karlshorst, the victory celebrations in Leningrad and Prague and the meeting of American and Soviet soldiers and officers mark the end of the Second World War in Europe in the exhibition.<h4 style="text-align: start">Commented film screening in the cinema – The signing of the capitulation in historical film footage 3.00 pm / 4.30 pm</h4>Correspondents from various countries reported on the signing of the capitulation on 8 May in Berlin-Karlshorst. The journalistic documentation of the day using photos and film footage is rich in detail. It begins, for example, with the arrival of the delegations of the victorious powers at Tempelhof Airport or accompanies their journey to Karlshorst through the destroyed city of Berlin.<h4 style="text-align: start">Short guided tours on the historic site of the surrender on 8 May 1945</h4>Guided tours in German: 10 am / 11 am / 2.30 pm / 4.30 pm / 6 pm Guided tours in English: 1 pm / 3.30 pm / 5.30 pm Guided tour in Russian: 12 noon / 3 pm / 5 pm Guided tour in Ukrainian: 2 pm / 4 pmIt is not necessary to book in advance to take part in the guided tour.<h4 style="text-align: start">New presentation of the exhibition ‘The German surrender in May 1945’ 10 am – 7 pm</h4>To mark the 80th anniversary, the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst has revised the special exhibition ‘The German Surrender in May 1945’. It is being presented in a new form in the museum garden. It examines the historical events surrounding the end of the war in Europe and Germany’s unconditional surrender.<h4 style="text-align: start">Opinions on the tank memorial – talks with museum staff on the history and meaning of Soviet monuments 10 am – 6 pm</h4>The tank memorial on the grounds of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is one of many Soviet monuments in Germany. Their role and perception today is multifaceted. In conversation with museum staff, visitors have the opportunity to discuss the role of such monuments in the European culture of remembrance and learn about different perspectives.<h4 style="text-align: start">Reading café – The end of the war in Europe in international newspapers 10 am -6.30 pm</h4>The news of the capitulation of the German Reich travelled around the world. Historical newspapers and magazines bear witness to this event. In the reading café – in the museum’s winter garden – visitors are invited to look through international press products over coffee and cake.<h4 style="text-align: start">Evening event: The commemoration of 8 May. The changing role of the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum 7 pm</h4>Welcome speech: Maria Bering (Head of Department “Culture of Remembrance” at the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media) Discussion: Prof Dr Thomas Sandkühler (Humboldt University of Berlin) Dr Gintarė Malinauskaitė (Lithuanian Institute of History, Vilnius) Dr Jörg Morré (Museum Berlin-Karlshorst) Moderation: Ingo Hoppe (radio journalist, Berlin)To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is holding a discussion event to examine the significance of 8 May. The way in which this date is perceived and commemorated has changed over the decades – characterised by social, political and cultural developments. These changes not only influence the collective remembrance of the end of the war, but also the role of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst.The event is focusing on the development of commemorative practices, the significance of the museum and the changing perspectives on the end of the war. What challenges arise today for a diverse culture of remembrance? And what impulses can the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst provide in the current debate?To attend the evening lecture, please register at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de">kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de</a>. The number of places is limited.<h4 style="text-align: start"></h4><h4 style="text-align: start">Book sale: Individual museum publications will be available free of charge or at reduced prices on 8 May.</h4>Opening hours and guided tour programme on 9 May 2025: 10 am – 6 pm Guided tour in German: 3 pm Guided tour in Russian: 3.30 pm&nbsp;Please note the following when visiting the museum on 8/9 May 2025: – The consumption of food and drink brought onto the museum grounds is not permitted. – Extended house rules apply. These can be viewed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.museum-karlshorst.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hausordnung-8.-Mai-2025_ENG.pdf">here</a>.

Germany

80 years – End of the Second World War in Europe

Freedom Told at the LibraryThe launch of Freedom Told takes place in Baarle, the first town within the Theek 5 region to be liberated during World War II. Over the next six months, various stories from the region will be shared, all centered around the themes of freedom and the liberation of Brabant. The highlight of this period is the national Liberation Day on May 5th.What you can discover during Freedom Told at the library:<ul><li>Information and exhibitions</li><li>Story sharing: “What does freedom mean to you?”</li><li>Storytellers sharing (local) stories about freedom</li><li>Activities in collaboration with local partners</li></ul>Stories for the FutureBy sharing stories about freedom, we ensure that the experiences, memories, and remaining stories are preserved for the future—together.“What does freedom mean to you?”Share your own story—in words, images, or sound—under the theme Freedom Told. Submit it using the participation form. Stories can be submitted until March 31. They will be collected and displayed in library branches and published through the communication channels of Library Theek 5.This event is part of the Brabant Remembers agenda. Visit their website here: <a target="_new" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="" href="https://www.brabantherinnert.nl">Freedom Told | Brabant Remembers</a>

Freedom Told

Martin tower Liberation routesThe Martinus tower in the small town of Gennep is a permanent reminder of WW2 and lets us know that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted. It is the only tower on the Meuse River from Mook to Roermond that survived the war. When retreating behind the Meuse, the Wehrmacht blew up the church towers on the left bank of the Meuse and placed lookouts in the towers on the right bank of the Meuse. These towers were then smashed by Allied artillery. All but one: the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">Gennep's Martinus tower</a>.The tower was on the front line from September 1944 to February 1945. Had one been in the spire in September 1944, one would have seen thousands of paratroopers and hundreds of Gliders land over neighbouring Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. On 8 February, the front moved again. More than 1,000 guns shelled the neighbouring Reichswald forest and one could have watched from the tower as a roller of steel and fire swept across the great forest. Operation Veritable, the last major battle on the western front, had begun.Today, the Martinus Tower is a visitor centre with many reminders of this time. In particular, the Martinus Tower Liberation Routes, with starting and finishing points at the Martinus Tower, show the numerous traces of the tough battle in the region. The routes include the largest and second largest war museums in the Netherlands (Overloon and Groesbeek). The British Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Kriegsgräberstätte Donsbrügen, among others, are located in and near the Reichswald. The routes pass numerous monuments and ruins and 14 audio spots/listening boulders tell the special stories at these locations.The 8 Martinustoren Liberation Routes can be found on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">Martinustoren website</a>. On the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">Liberation Route website</a>, one can find another special route: Gennep and the price of freedom.The routes go through 4 beautiful Natura 2000 landscapes: the St Jansberg, the Reichswald, the Maasduinen and the Maasheggen.Entry to the Martinustoren visitor centre is free.&nbsp;Gennep's Martinus tower<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower</a>Martin tower Liberation routes<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route</a>Gennep and the price of freedom<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Martin tower Liberation routes

To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is holding a discussion event to examine the significance of 8 May. The way in which this date is perceived and commemorated has changed over the decades – characterised by social, political and cultural developments. These changes not only influence the collective remembrance of the end of the war, but also the role of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst.The event is focusing on the development of commemorative practices, the significance of the museum and the changing perspectives on the end of the war. What challenges arise today for a diverse culture of remembrance? And what impulses can the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst provide in the current debate?To attend the evening lecture, please register at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de">kontakt@museum-karlshorst.de</a>. The number of places is limited.

Date

Country

Type of event

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

presentazione del libro “Iris, la libertà” (Rizzoli, 2025) con l’autore Walter Veltroni.

Bridge2Bridgerun

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again' - 80 years freedom

“Italian Victory 1944-45 - Appuntamento speciale a tema: le truppe neozelandesi nella Liberazione dell’Emilia-Romagna

Escape to France: A Three-part Experience

presentazione del libro “La guerra in collina. Eserciti, civili e partigiani nell’Appennino faentino 1943-1945”

presentazione del libro “La guerra in collina. Eserciti, civili e partigiani nell’Appennino faentino 1943-1945”

80 years – End of the Second World War in Europe

Freedom Told

Martin tower Liberation routes

The commemoration of 8 May. The changing role of the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum

Register your event on Europe Remembers