Ils se prénomment Joseph, Nicole, Paulette, Rémy, Marguerite, Janine…..
Ils étaient âgés de 12, 15, 18 ans, 20 ans….
Ils étaient à Saint-Aubin, Bernières, Courseulles,  Douvres-la-Délivrande, le 6 juin 1944, lorsque les soldats canadiens débarquèrent sur la zone de Juno Beach  pour les libérer de l’occupation allemande. Ils étaient aussi à Carpiquet en juillet 1944 lors des combats pour la prise de l’aéroport.

80 ans après, dans le cadre des cérémonies commémoratives du Débarquement, l’association « La semaine acadienne » et l’association « Mémoire collective de Carpiquet » leur consacrent une exposition, dans la partie ouest de la célèbre maison des Canadiens à Bernières-sur-Mer, rachetée récemment par la communauté de communes Cœur de Nacre. 

Mêlant portraits au crayon réalisés par Jacques Doll, lui même présent le Jour J, à partir de documents d’époque, photos actuelles de Bernadette Taupy ainsi que Maryvonne Lépine, et témoignages, elle donne l’image et la parole à ces 72  témoins qui  n’ont jamais oublié ces jours synonymes de libération, mais aussi de souffrance. 
Des témoignages d’autant plus précieux que, malheureusement, les voix de la plupart de ces  témoins se sont aujourd’hui éteintes.

France

Exposition : "Ils ont vu le débarquement à Juno Beach et la libération de Carpiquet" / Festival la semaine acadienne

The relationship between love and war is intimate and as old as mankind. Under the threat of death, life and love are experienced much more intensely. World War II affected the love life of a whole generation of people. They - as always - got butterflies in their stomachs: in the air-raid shelter, in hiding, at the front or simply on the streets. The 'Love in wartime' exhibition, from 5 June 2024 to 30 March 2025, shows how people found each other under difficult circumstances. And how feelings can overcome everything. After all, what is 'right' or 'wrong' in love? In the 'Love in Wartime' exhibition, we see war from its most intimate, human side. From a boy who met his first boyfriend during forced labour in Germany to a newly married couple who survived Auschwitz, always looking for a sign that the other was still alive. These personal love stories often had major consequences, such as: the journey of thousands of wartime brides to and from the Netherlands, the at least as many children fathered by an Allied or German soldier, the persecution of homosexuals and large-scale paid love in the war years. Behind special curtains, adults can even peek into stories about wartime sex and admire vibrators from the 1940s.Love in Wartime is a unique exhibition that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of a cosy 1940s street with fully historically decorated rooms on either side. Behind one door is a living room, behind the other a hiding place or a café celebrating the liberation. This makes the exhibition an adventurous experience for young and old. The exhibition 'Love in wartime' is inspired by Steffie van den Oord's book of the same name, available in new print from 4 June 2024.The Freedom Museum shows the passionate story of love with unique masterpieces such as sheet music, diaries, love letters and wedding dresses. An intimate exhibition with never-before-seen material that will make your heart beat faster!

The Netherlands

Love in Wartime

This exhibition reveals the full story: from isolation to extermination, captured in a rich collection of photographs, many never before seen. The images, captured by both professional photographers and courageous amateurs, document the harrowing reality of raids, the introduction of the Star of David, hiding activities, and the roles of perpetrators and bystanders.Historians Erik Somers and René Kok searched dozens of archives at home and abroad for this exhibition and the book of the same name. Their work reveals the complexity and impact of anti-Jewish measures in the Netherlands during World War II.The photographs on display not only show the brutality of the German occupation, but also highlight the help given to people in hiding, the daily life of Jews at the time, and the aftermath of the war with the return of the few survivors from the camps.This exhibition, previously shown at the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam, National Monument Kamp Vught and at Topographie des Terrors in Berlin, is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the persecution of Jews.Visit the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bevrijdingsmuseumzeeland.nl/de-jodenvervolging-in-fotos-nederland-1940-1945/">Liberation Museum Zeeland</a> and be immersed in this powerful and educational experience

The persecution of the Jews in photographs. Netherlands 1940-1945 - Liberation Museum Zeeland

With the performance ‘We'll meet again’, singing trio The Forces Sweethearts reflects on 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. Memories are brought to life thanks to beautiful stories and anecdotes from the time surrounding World War II. All this will be framed musically by music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Think of the big hits by Vera Lynn, Doris Day and, of course, The Andrews Sisters. Do you remember them? ‘Bei mir bist du schon’, ‘Rum and coca cola’, ‘Those were the days’ and of course ‘We'll meet again’! Thanks to their beautiful three-part vocals, swinging dance moves and stylish outfits, The Forces Sweethearts will make this performance a feast of recognition and allow us to reflect together on this special milestone.

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

After long years of absence of freedom Pilsen celebrated its 45th Anniversary of the liberation by the US Army in 1990 with the participation of the president Václav Havel and the US Ambassador in Prague Shirley Temple Black. Together with the living history clubs, the City of Pilsen preserves the tradition of celebrating the liberation, that is why the first days in May belong to the Liberation Festival. For this event, visitors from all around the world come to celebrate - with the citizens, American veterans, their family relative at present respectively – the freedom. Traditional parts of the celebrations are commemorative acts at the memorials of the American units participating in the liberation of the city, the unique display of vintage military vehicles Convoy of Liberty and the presentation of the living history clubs offering impressive interpretation of history with the period equipment and gear held on a year basis. The military history program is enhanced by culture show intended for the broad public with the participation of Czech and foreign performers.The Liberation Festival is unforgettable experience with its unique atmosphere remembering the contribution of the US Army to the liberation of Europe.

Czech Republic

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

Moment 1: Commemorating and celebrating the liberation of the southern Netherlands12 September marks the start of the national celebration of 80 years of freedom. On this day in 1944, the liberation of the Netherlands began in Mesch in Limburg. Zeeland, Brabant and part of Gelderland soon followed. The liberation was accompanied by fierce fighting, many casualties and a winter of famine. Eventually, the whole of the Netherlands was liberated on 5 May 1945. A few months later, on 15 August of that same year, World War II came to an end in what was then the Dutch East Indies and thus the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2024 and 2025, we will celebrate and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and the fact that we have been living in freedom since the end of World War II.&nbsp;Moment 2: Commemorating the HolocaustDuring World War II (1940-1945), the Nazis murdered nearly 6 million Jews. They also persecuted and murdered Roma and Sinti, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with physical or mental disabilities, homosexuals and political opponents. In January, we reflect on these victims.&nbsp;We commemorate their persecution and murder 80 years ago. We will do so on 26 January, during the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Amsterdam, as well as on other occasions.&nbsp;Moment 3: Commemorating and celebrating the liberation of the east and north of the NetherlandsEighty years ago, in April 1945, allied soldiers advanced towards the north and east of the Netherlands to also liberate the provinces of South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht, Overijssel, Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen. While the south of the Netherlands had already been liberated, the occupied part of the country had to endure a long, hard winter of famine. Partly with the help of the resistance, mainly Canadian soldiers managed to liberate large parts of the country.&nbsp;Moment 4: National Remembrance and Liberation Celebration on 4 and 5 MayEvey year during the National Remembrance Day on 4 May, we remember the victims of World War II and of war situations and peacekeeping operations thereafter. At 8pm, there will be a 2-minute moment of silence throughout the Netherlands. On 5 May, we celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945 and the fact that we have been living in freedom ever since.&nbsp;On that day, we also reflect on the value of freedom, democracy and human rights.&nbsp;Moment 5: Commemorating and celebrating the end of World War IIOn 15 August, we remember the end of World War II for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and commemorate all the victims of the war against Japan and the Japanese occupation of the then Dutch East Indies. These wartime experiences and the large-scale displacement that followed after liberation continue to affect our society to this day.

80 years of freedom in 5 moments

Step Back in Time—Where History Comes AliveDiscover the untold stories of the Channel Islands during World War II with Marc Yates, the only accredited Battlefield Guide in the region. On these exclusive tours, you’ll explore one of history’s most dramatic chapters—the Nazi occupation of the only British soil to fall under enemy control.Walk among the massive fortifications built in preparation for an Allied invasion that never came. These islands, transformed into the most heavily fortified part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, remain a concrete testament to five years of occupation, fear, and resilience.Journey Through Hidden History Your tour takes you inside imposing bunkers and along defensive strongholds where soldiers once stood guard, bracing for D-Day landings. With Marc’s engaging storytelling, the echoes of that time will come vividly to life as you uncover the strategic importance of these islands and the incredible lengths the Nazis went to hold onto them at all costs. Beyond the concrete, hear stories of courage, defiance, and the enduring human spirit that prevailed through five challenging years of occupation.Personalized Tours Designed for You Whether you're a family, history enthusiast, or simply curious, these private tours offer a completely bespoke experience. Traveling in our luxurious, fully licensed vehicles, you’ll enjoy comfort and convenience as we pick you up from your desired location.Marc's passion for history and deep expertise ensure that every tour is tailored to your interests and questions, whether you're a group of two or sixteen. The cost remains the same regardless of group size, making it ideal for intimate gatherings or larger parties.More Than a Tour—An Experience to Remember This is your chance to connect with history, to stand where history was made, and to leave with unforgettable stories etched in your memory.Visit our website for full tour details and bookings.

Jersey

Nazi Occupation: Fortification Ready for D-Day

Historische tocht Koningin Wilhelmina

<h3 style="text-align: start">LES FESTIVITÉS EN 2025</h3>Les festivités se poursuivent en 2025 pour commémorer la deuxième Libération de Haguenau le 16 mars 1945.→ Samedi 8 – Dimanche 9 février IUT de Haguenau | 30 Rue du Maire André Traband, Haguenau Colloque d’histoire « Les horreurs de la guerre à la source créatrice de l’Europe » organisé par la SHAH.Plus précisément, trois thématiques seront abordées durant ce week-end :<ul><li>« De la guerre totale à la Libération de Haguenau »</li><li>« Les dimensions racistes d’une guerre totale »</li><li>« De la guerre à la construction de l’Europe »</li></ul>→ Samedi 15 – Dimanche 16 mars Week-end de commémorations et de festivitésPendant deux jours, Haguenau fera un bond dans le passé avec :<ul><li>Une reconstitution d’un camp américain devant la Halle aux Houblons</li><li>Des visites guidées des lieux emblématiques de la Libération</li><li>Des temps de commémoration avec prise d’armes et défilé</li><li>Un concert militaire à la Halle aux Houblons</li><li>Une exposition de cartes postales d’époque et de dessins d’élèves</li><li>Le grand bal de la Libération : avec costumes et musique d’époque</li></ul>

80e anniversaire de la Libération de HAGUENAU

Martin tower Liberation routesThe Martinus tower in the small town of Gennep is a permanent reminder of WW2 and lets us know that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted. It is the only tower on the Meuse River from Mook to Roermond that survived the war. When retreating behind the Meuse, the Wehrmacht blew up the church towers on the left bank of the Meuse and placed lookouts in the towers on the right bank of the Meuse. These towers were then smashed by Allied artillery. All but one: the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">Gennep's Martinus tower</a>.The tower was on the front line from September 1944 to February 1945. Had one been in the spire in September 1944, one would have seen thousands of paratroopers and hundreds of Gliders land over neighbouring Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. On 8 February, the front moved again. More than 1,000 guns shelled the neighbouring Reichswald forest and one could have watched from the tower as a roller of steel and fire swept across the great forest. Operation Veritable, the last major battle on the western front, had begun.Today, the Martinus Tower is a visitor centre with many reminders of this time. In particular, the Martinus Tower Liberation Routes, with starting and finishing points at the Martinus Tower, show the numerous traces of the tough battle in the region. The routes include the largest and second largest war museums in the Netherlands (Overloon and Groesbeek). The British Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Kriegsgräberstätte Donsbrügen, among others, are located in and near the Reichswald. The routes pass numerous monuments and ruins and 14 audio spots/listening boulders tell the special stories at these locations.The 8 Martinustoren Liberation Routes can be found on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">Martinustoren website</a>. On the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">Liberation Route website</a>, one can find another special route: Gennep and the price of freedom.The routes go through 4 beautiful Natura 2000 landscapes: the St Jansberg, the Reichswald, the Maasduinen and the Maasheggen.Entry to the Martinustoren visitor centre is free.&nbsp;Gennep's Martinus tower<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower</a>Martin tower Liberation routes<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route</a>Gennep and the price of freedom<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Exposition : "Ils ont vu le débarquement à Juno Beach et la libération de Carpiquet" / Festival la semaine acadienne

Love in Wartime

The persecution of the Jews in photographs. Netherlands 1940-1945 - Liberation Museum Zeeland

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

80 years of freedom in 5 moments

Nazi Occupation: Fortification Ready for D-Day

Historische tocht Koningin Wilhelmina

80e anniversaire de la Libération de HAGUENAU

Martin tower Liberation routes

Gedenktag am ehemaligen Schloss Klessin

Gedenktag an der Festung Kostrzyn

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Exposition : "Ils ont vu le débarquement à Juno Beach et la libération de Carpiquet" / Festival la semaine acadienne

Love in Wartime

The persecution of the Jews in photographs. Netherlands 1940-1945 - Liberation Museum Zeeland

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

80 years of freedom in 5 moments

Nazi Occupation: Fortification Ready for D-Day

Historische tocht Koningin Wilhelmina

80e anniversaire de la Libération de HAGUENAU

Martin tower Liberation routes

Gedenktag am ehemaligen Schloss Klessin

Gedenktag an der Festung Kostrzyn

Register your event on Europe Remembers