Lights on War Graves Christmas Eve 2025 Overloon War Cemetery

Overloon War Chronicles Foundation is organising Lights on War Graves at the War Cemetery in Overloon on Christmas Eve again this year. Together with  veterans from Land van Cuijk, the adopters and other interested parties, candles will be placed at the 281 graves of the soldiers for the ninth time.

We invite residents and visitors to a ceremony that bridges the past and the present. Between the soldiers who lie here and the people who can now celebrate Christmas Eve in freedom. Between the story of then and its significance for now.

This year also tells the story of John Victor Hawksby, who these men were before they became soldiers. Ordinary people with dreams and families, just like you and me. Their photos at the graves give them back their faces. The candles on Christmas Eve show that the connection between Overloon and these 281 men is still very much alive, even more than eighty years later.

That same afternoon, candles will also be placed at the graves of British soldiers in Sint Anthonis, Grave and Westerbeek.

From 24 to 26 December, all photos found so far (221 to date) will be displayed at the soldiers’ graves.
The programme for 24 December is as follows:
At 3.30 p.m., doors open at Overloon War Cemetery
At 4 p.m., the official programme begins with music, speeches and recitals, followed by the placing of candles.
Ends at 6 p.m.

You are most welcome to attend!