The Airborne Monument on the Ginkelse Heide commemorates the Allied airborne landings that took place during Operation Market Garden on 17 September 1944. Located near Ede in the Netherlands, the monument marks one of the largest parachute drop zones used during the operation, where thousands of British and Allied paratroopers descended in an attempt to secure bridges and hasten the liberation of the country.
Each year, the monument serves as the focal point for commemorations honoring the soldiers of the British 1st Airborne Division and other Allied units who fought in the Battle of Arnhem. The site symbolizes both courage and sacrifice, as many of the airborne troops faced heavy resistance and were ultimately unable to achieve their objectives. Despite the operation’s failure, the landings on the Ginkelse Heide left a lasting impression on the local population, who witnessed the dramatic arrival of the parachutists from the sky.
The Airborne Monument stands in a natural heathland setting, emphasizing reflection and remembrance. Annual ceremonies and parachute drops keep the memory of the airborne soldiers alive and underline the importance of freedom, international cooperation, and the cost of war.
Visit
The monument is free to visit in its natural surrounding, you will find a parking spot nearby. The field on which it sits was a drop zone for the British paratroopers during Operation Market Garden.
