On 21 September 2013 the 69th remembrance event of the mass dropping during Market Garden started at the Ginkelse moor near Ede. This year more than 800 parachutist will jump on the former drop zone.
Yearly the cities of Arnhem, Ede, Oosterbeek and Driel remember Operation Market Garden which was executed in September 1944.
Landmark Scout visited the 68th remembrance in 2012.
It is a grand spectacle, multiple Hercules planes circling low over the moor, waiting for the green light.
When the moment arrives, the parachutist start their jumps, 1000 of them in 2012.
In 1944 the parachutist counted 10.000, from the 1st British Parachute division, a few days later the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade with 1000 men followed.
On this beautiful day in 2011 British Paratroopers from the 4th parachute brigade, which fought during operation Market Garden, jumped next to Dutch, American, German, Polish, Belgium and Canadian paratroopers.
A single Dakota flies over the drop zone as well, releasing his paratroopers as they did in 1944. This time the Parachute Group Holland is jumping at the dropzone.
Between the parachute jumps there are speeches with words of praise and thanks toward the men that fought so hard during these day in September 1944. We were so glad to see that about 40 of our liberators attended the event.
On the side of the moor you can see living history with the “Keep them rolling” re-enactment group. This group keeps a staggering 100 cars and trucks from the Allied forces rolling. There is a market and a food corner as well.
The remembrance is much bigger than the parachute jumps. There is a tour from the drop zone in military vehicles towards the city of Arnhem, crossing the John Forst bridge. A ceremony at the Commonwealth cemetery in Arnhem, there is music from the past and more.
Two short movies taken during the event:
Besides the event you can visit museums and locations of Operation Market Garden.
The 101st Airborne division during Market Garden, Easy company jumps at Son
Arnhem War Museum 40-45 Market Garden