Airborne Memorial Service 1944-2009

A book by Laurens van Aggelen was recently published to mark 65 years of commemorations at the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek. The book, which became a luxury edition, with texts in both Dutch and English, was written by Laurens in gratitude for the courageous struggle waged at the time by the British and Polish airborne troops to free the Netherlands from the tyranny of occupation. All the Arnhem veterans who came to the Netherlands in 2009 for the commemorations were personally presented with a copy of the book by the author.

The book examines the special nature of the commemorations that have been held in Oosterbeek since 1945, and for which many Arnhem veterans still come over each year. The author looks at both the origins of the commemorations and the way in which special friendships have arisen in those years among veterans, their relatives and the citizens of Arnhem, Oosterbeek and environs.

With a large number of photographs Laurens van Aggelen depicts how the Airborne Cemetery arose, together with the preceding events. A detailed account is also provided as to why the Memorial Service is such an stirring and emotional part of the annual commemoration program. For many veterans the reunion with their comrades of yesteryear and the local population provides a moment they look forward to eagerly each year, providing as it does an opportunity to recount stories they often feel unable to share with their own families at home.

The Memorial Service is held annually on the Sunday of or following 17 September at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in Oosterbeek. The book also deals with other ceremonies held at the cemetery that connect up with the sacrifices made during the conflicts of that time.

The book may be obtained from the publisher, various bookshops in the region and the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek. The first impression was a limited edition with a luxury hardcover. Further information may be obtained from or orders placed with: Uitgeverij White Elephant Publishing in Arnhem (www.we-publishing.nl).

Laurens van Aggelen (Arnhem 1964) is an author. Last year he published a book entitled De Airborne Wandeltocht about the biggest one-day walking tour in the world.