About the Location
The John R. Towle Monument is located on John R. Towlestraat, at the intersection with Peperstraat in Oosterhout (municipality of Overbetuwe). This location was chosen for its historical significance: it is on “his street,” near the Waaldijk, where John R. Towle performed his act of heroism on September 21, 1944. The monument is easily accessible and visible to residents, visitors, and passersby.
📍 Coordinates: 51.878134, 5.820091
Unveiling
The official unveiling took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, exactly 80 years after the death of John R. Towle. The ceremony was attended by:
- Residents of Oosterhout
- Representatives of veterans’ organizations
- The municipality of Overbetuwe
- The American Embassy,
- A nephew of John R. Towle (USA)
- Representatives of the Sunset March
- Family of General (James M. Gavin)
- Delegation from the 82nd Airborne Division
- Re-enactor group from Museum Niemandsland in Gendt
Speeches
During the ceremony, speeches were given by:
- The initiators
- The alderman of the municipality of Overbetuwe, Wijnte Hol
- A representative on behalf of the American government (USA), Sara Schroeder
- A representative of the 82nd Airborne Division
- The director of the Sunset March, René Scheeres
- The nephew of John R. Towle, Tom Ryan
The unveiling with music, silence, speeches, and the laying of flowers was a dignified and impressive moment of collective remembrance.
Accessibility and Routes
The monument is located on several cycling and walking routes, including the Liberation Route Europe. It is freely accessible and serves as a valuable memorial site for residents, tourists, and anyone wishing to reflect on the history of freedom.