On September 21, 2026, the annual commemoration will take place:

Program:

Welcome and speech:
Nico van Kleef: The importance of remembrance

Speakers:
– Mr. Rene Post, 1st Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Overbetuwe
– LTC Oledan from 21st on behalf of the 82nd Airborne Division
– R. Braam on behalf of Oorlogsmuseum Niemandsland

Last Post, minute of silence
The Last Post: Jaqueline Schimmel

National Anthems
Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus
American national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner
Music: Con Amore

Wreath-laying:
– Mr. Rene Post, 1st Deputy Mayor of the
Municipality of Overbetuwe
– Colonel B. Dobner, Army Attaché & Lt Colonel Oledan On behalf of The United States of America
– Mr. J. Plamont on behalf of the Oosterhout Village Council
– Mr. Gerrit van der Meijde on behalf of the Overbetuwe Veterans Association
– Mr. P. Grotens on behalf of the Sunset March
– Mr. R. Braam on behalf of Oorlogsmuseum Niemandsland
– John R. Towle Monument Organizing Committee
– Anyone who wishes to lay a wreath or flower is welcome.

• 8:00 PM end of commemoration, informal gathering and opportunity to speak with one another.

We look forward to seeing you on September 21.

The full program is subject to last-minute changes due to circumstances. We thank everyone involved and all those present for their contributions and attendance.

Remembrance Day and Liberation Day

On May 4 and 5, we naturally reflect on all fallen military personnel and civilians during peace operations, and we celebrate our freedom the following day.

– On May 4, we will fly the flag at half-mast at approximately 10:00 AM
– On May 5, we will fly the flag at full mast at approximately 10:00 AM

In addition to John R. Towle, there are many whom we shall commemorate on May 4.

The Betuwe Liberation Festival 2026
From April 2 to 6, as a partner of this festival, we are organizing 4 fantastic days centered around the theme.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate this with us. Together with the other partners, there will be lectures, cycling and walking tours along historical sites, a film marathon, and an authentic encampment.

We are very pleased to announce that on April 4, the John R. Towle Monument will be part of the historical tour. More than 70 historical WWII vehicles will make a stop at our monument. Please see the times below.
We will treat the drivers and passengers to a snack and share information about, among other things, the realization of the monument. Everyone is welcome!

For more information, please visit: https://www.museumniemandsland.nl/bbf/

On September 21, 2025, the annual commemoration will take place:

• 10:00 AM – Ecumenical service, St. Leonard’s Church in Oosterhout
• Following – relocation to the monument for the annual commemoration

During the church service and ceremony, a delegation from the municipality and the 82nd
Airborne Division will be present, including the famous choir.

The monument was placed on John R. Towlestraat, at the intersection with Peperstraat.