80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Fallen Assault Troops

On Sunday, September 21, Beneden-Leeuwen 80th commemoration of the fallen Stoottroepers will take place in Beneden-Leeuwen . During this ceremony, we will honor all the Stoottroepers who have lost their lives since World War II, in the fight for our freedom and during subsequent missions.

Mayor Vincent van Neerbos emphasizes the importance of this moment: “Freedom sometimes seems like a given, but it never is. During this commemoration, we honor the Stoottroepers who gave their lives, and we express our gratitude and respect. It is our shared responsibility not to forget their sacrifices. I warmly invite everyone to participate in the silent march. If you live along the route, I kindly ask you, if possible, to fly the flag at half-mast and to observe silence during the march.”

Silent march and program

The commemoration begins with a silent procession to the Stoottroepers Memorial Cemetery. As the procession enters Pastoor Zijlmansstraat, appropriate music will be played, after which the ceremony at the memorial cemetery will begin.

The program includes a floral tribute, a welcome address, a recitation by schoolchildren, and several wreath- and flower-laying ceremonies. The roll call of the dead, the Taps signal, a minute of silence, and a gun salute will also be performed. The chaplain of the armed forces will deliver a reflection. Scouts will then escort the wreath-layers to the Civilian Cemetery, where the ceremony will continue. There, the bell will toll 31 times in memory of the civilians who perished in Beneden-Leeuwen in 1944–1945. This will be followed by a joint wreath-laying ceremony and music.

The ceremony concludes with the raising of the flags of Belgium, Canada, France, Great Britain, Poland, the United States, and the Netherlands, accompanied by the playing of the national anthems.

Speakers at the ceremony will include Mayor Vincent van Neerbos, the chair of the Foundation for the Commemoration of Fallen Assault Troops (SHGS), and the chaplain of the armed forces.

A long tradition of remembrance

The first commemoration took place as early as October 13, 1945, for eight soldiers from the 1st Company who had fallen in action. They were buried in the monastery garden of Huize St. Elisabeth. Since 1946, all Stoottroepers who fell during and after World War II have been commemorated Beneden-Leeuwen in Beneden-Leeuwen . In 1949, the memorial cemetery with its graves of honor and memorial chapel was officially opened.

Since then, the commemoration in Beneden-Leeuwen grown into an impressive tradition, made possible by the collaboration between the local community, the Prince Bernhard Assault Troops Regiment, and the Foundation for the Commemoration of Fallen Assault Troops.

Route of the Silent March

Starting point: MFA De Rosmolen
→ Leliestraat → Seringenstraat → Zonnebloemstraat → Akkerstraat → Rozenstraat