Vianden Marks 80th Anniversary of WWII Liberation

The municipality of Vianden celebrated the 80th anniversary of the town's liberation from German occupation by US troops with a series of events between Wednesday 12 and Sunday 16 February 2025.

History came to life in the small town, which is perhaps best known for its castle and the annual nut market festival. The scene was quite different last week, with re-enactment camps set up across the town, as well as a reconstructed pontoon bridge, and historic military vehicles making their way through the narrow streets. The programme included lectures and concerts, a "Liberation Ball", a military vehicle parade and an official commemorative ceremony.

The commemoration ceremony took place on Sunday morning, in the presence of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. Following an introduction by local historian Roland Gaul, the Mayor of Vianden, François Weyrich, delivered his welcome address (in Luxembourgish and English). He emphasised the importance of marking the historic moment when Vianden became the last Luxembourgish town to be freed, on 12 February 1945. He recalled that the country had finally found peace again, after so much sorrow and suffering. He thanked those present, notably the Grand Ducal couple, Luxembourg's Culture Minister, members of the diplomatic corps and the family members of two of the eleven American soldiers who fought and died in Vianden. He assured that the sacrifice of these soldiers would never be forgotten.

In his speech (primarily in Luxembourgish), Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, said this was an occasion to remember with gratitude and respect those brave people who risked their lives for the freedom of future generations. He emphasised the importance of continuing to remember these heroic acts, and getting younger generations involved in preserving this collective memory. He stressed the need to work together in the interest of tolerance, justice and humanity, as well as human rights, peace and freedom.

US Chargé d’Affaires Michael Konstantino, speaking in English, acknowledged how “ordinary men answered an extraordinary call”. He noted that the bravery of these soldiers left “a permanent mark” and their legacy is still reflected in the community here today. He expressed gratitude for the peace, prosperity and freedom currently enjoyed in Luxembourg and Europe. Mr Konstantino took a moment to also remember and celebrate the US and Luxembourg’s enduring friendship based on shared values and years of cooperation and goodwill. Only together can society ensure that the tales of the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers are passed down through the generations; he described young people as the “torchbearers” who shall preserve this memory.

Next to speak (in English) was Bill Evanow, a family member of one of the soldiers who had died during the 1945 liberation of Vianden - Cyrel Evanow of the 1255th Combat Engineer Battalion. Mr Evanow acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by these soldiers in the interest of freedom. He emphasised the importance of reflecting on lessons learned and stressed that their memory lives on in the monuments erected, but also in the hearts of all Luxembourgers and everyone who attaches importance to shared values such as peace and freedom.

Family members of another soldier who had lost his life in Vianden, David Glatter, had also travelled over to Luxembourg for the commemoration.

The speeches were followed by a flower wreath-laying in front of the US memorial monument "Op der Plank", overlooking Vianden Castle and the town below - a town which lay in ruins 80 years ago.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, and other guests of honour, then made their way through the town, stopping at the re-enactment camps and food stands, before attending the town hall reception, where the royal couple also signed the guest book.

Also present at the commemoration was a Czech delegation, including guests from Pilsen, a town with which Vianden aims to strengthen cultural links in future. Roland Gaul had previously spoken about this Czech dimension, as well as the historical context: https://www.chronicle.lu/category/things-to-see-do/53360-80th-anniversary-of-liberation-of-vianden-programme-unveiled

Re-enactors from the Netherlands had also come over for the occasion.