The General Patton Museum in Ettelbruck has launched a fundraising drive in the lead up to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Luxembourg during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge, happening in September this year.

Fundraising Drive

The museum has launched a fundraising drive for donations or support in the interest of commemorating the 80th anniversary of Luxembourg’s liberation during World War II and the Battle of the Bulge.

The 80th anniversary commemoration events will be held under the patronage of the American Embassy in Luxembourg during the weekend of 20-22 September 2024. Leading up to then, the General Patton Museum will lead a number of enhancements to Square Patton, upgrading the existing memorial and installing three silhouettes that will feature information plaques and interactive QR codes via a project that is partly funded by the US Embassy in Luxembourg. 

It is seeking donations / sponsorship to help the museum to fulfil its mission of remembrance and education.

The Museum

The General Patton Museum is based in Ettelbruck was inaugurated in 1995. It pays tribute to General George S. Patton Jr. whose 80th infantry division liberated the town on 25 December 1944. It presents parts of weapons and military equipment, as well as 1,000+ photographs and documents.

Brief History 

During the Battle of the Bulge, the town of Ettelbruck suffered considerable damage.

The town of Ettelbruck was liberated twice by the Allied troops in 1944, on 11 September and 25 December; the museum and the "Groupe de Recherches et d'Études sur la Guerre 1940-1945" with the support of the municipality commemorates the double liberation of 1944 on these days.

Patton Monument

The town of Ettelbruck was liberated on 25 December 1944 by Regiment 318 belonging to the 80th American Infantry Division, commanded by Major-General Horace McBride; the 318th Regiment was under the command of Colonel Lansing McVickar. 

In 1947, the Union Cycliste du Nord organised a cycling race in honour of General Patton, the Grand Prix Général Patton. It was within this organisation that the idea was born to create a monument in Ettelbruck in honour of the liberator general. A national committee for the erection of the General Patton monument was founded and as soon as the project was finalised, the monument was solemnly inaugurated on 16 May 1954 in the presence of the general’s son, Captain George S. Patton IV and a large number of civilian and military authorities.

Financial Support

To donate / sponsor, email: patton@patton.lu or tel: 810322