The city of Bastogne, Luxembourg Province, will host a ‘community festival’ on 7-8 September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its first liberation during World War II, municipal authorities said on Tuesday.
“Bastogne regained its freedom following a prolonged German occupation, and on 10 September 1944, its citizens jubilantly waved the Allied colours,” they recalled. This liberation, sustained for a few weeks until the German counter-offensive on 16 December 1944, will be celebrated, the authorities added.
The event is celebrated every year with the laying of flowers at the foot of several town monuments, in the presence of officials and war veterans. However, this year, a lively, activity-packed ‘community festival’ will be the highlight of the commemoration, the city announced.
The McAuliffe Square will host a ‘liberation village,’ a themed depiction by re-enactors, and vintage vehicles throughout the weekend. Saturday evening will be enlivened with music from the singer Santa, a songwriter and performer with the band Hyphen Hyphen. On Sunday, the Royal Navy Band will give a concert at Jean XXIII Hall.
"Beyond providing a chance for community connection, the weekend of Bastogne’s first liberation is a moment to remember and honour those who fought for our freedom," said Mayor Benoît Lutgen.
"It also allows us to reaffirm our strong commitment to democratic values, mutual respect, and the fight against any form of extremism," Lutgen stressed.
These celebrations are part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Ardennes, which will run in Bastogne until December.
