On this page we explain why our foundation finds it important to make as many friends as possible. If you would like to register as a new friend, scroll down to fill in the form.
The first plans for the creation of a memorial in Mierlo-Hout already started in 2005. Six years later, on September 22, 2011, the official unveiling of the monument followed at the current location at the level crossing, corner of Hoofdstraat / Houtse Parallelweg.
Our foundation aims to guarantee the continuation of the commemorations and the maintenance of the monument for the future.
To finance the costs of the maintenance around the monument and the annual commemoration, the foundation hopes to recruit “Friends of the monument”.
Since 2015, we have also found the primary schools willing to adopt the monument in turn every year. The pupils of the primary schools form the basis for continuity with a view to the future.
Our motto:
“You pass on freedom. We only have the monument on loan from our children”
These students receive a presentation in class about the fighting that took place around September 22, 1944 during Operation “Market Garden”.
Afterwards we go together to the War Cemetery in Mierlo. At the British cemetery, the children receive a tour and an explanation of the graves of some English soldiers who meant so much during the liberation of our region.
On the annual Liberation Day of Mierlo-Hout, these children are also present at the memorial service in the Saint Luciakerk and the ceremony at the monument.
To conclude the adoption year, the schoolchildren help in March decorating the park around the monument and the memorial site in the Slegersstraat. All this in the context of NL-DOET.
Objective “Friends of the Monument”
►To preserve the memorial for the present and future generations.
►Taking care of the maintenance of the memorial and its immediate surroundings.
►Maintaining contact with relatives in the Netherlands / abroad
►All the mentioned activities, information, transport of the children to and back to Mierlo with historic military vehicles naturally entails costs.
►As a “Friend of the Monument”, you will automatically be invited to the annual September activities and you will receive our newsletter six times a year.
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If you are interested in supporting us financially, please feel free to contact us using the form below. No fixed amount applies here, you decide how much and when you want to contribute.