Military vehicles outside the National Museum of Military History (MNHM) in Diekirch on the 80th anniversary of the town's liberation from Nazi occupation, 11 September 2024;
Credit: Jazmin Campbell/Chronicle.lu
In honour of Veterans Day on 11 November, the US Embassy in Luxembourg has announced that the National Museum of Military History (MNHM) in Diekirch will offer free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day and the General Patton Memorial Museum in Ettelbruck will provide free entry to US veterans year-round, starting on Monday 11 November 2024.
The embassy noted that this special initiative commemorates the 80th anniversary of Luxembourg's liberation in the Second World War, celebrating the enduring legacy of all those who served in the US Armed Forces.
US Ambassador to Luxembourg Tom Barrett expressed his gratitude: "We are deeply thankful to our partners at the National Museum of Military History and the General Patton Memorial Museum for their commitment to honoring the profound sacrifices of our service members and their families. These museums play a crucial role in preserving the history of pivotal moments in our shared past, ensuring younger generations too understand the courage and dedication required to safeguard our freedoms. I encourage everyone, especially young people, to seize this opportunity to explore Luxembourg's journey to freedom, reflect on the impact of service, and honour those who defended our nations."
For more information and opening times, visit www.patton.lu for the General Patton Memorial Museum and www.mnhm.net/mnhm for the MNHM.
About Veterans Day / Armistice Day
An Act approved on 13 May 1938 made 11 November a Federal holiday in the United States - a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be celebrated as Armistice Day. Armistice Day was primarily a day to honour veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilisation of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in all US history, and after American forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by renaming the day as Veterans Day. With the approval of this legislation on 1 June 1954, 11 November became a day to honour American veterans of all wars.
