Every year on 14 October, we commemorate the liberation of Overloon and pay special attention to the soldiers who died during the Second World War and are buried in the Overloon war cemetery.This year too, even more than other years, the graves were covered with flowers. This is certainly also due to the attention given by the adopters of the graves during these days of remembrance. Overloon War Chronicles is immensely pleased to see so many taking the trouble to visit the grave and also meet other adopters. It looked beautiful.

Under great attendance, the unique docu-film "In the hour of Victory" about the life of Major Anthony Smith, who is buried at the Overloon War Cemetery, was broadcast at the Pit in Overloon on October 14th. Grandson Jonathan and great-grandson Jordan Smith had come over from Bermuda and London to attend. Alderman Bouke de Bruin spoke warm words representing our municipality. More than 300 interested people, including many adopters of the graves as well as residents from Overloon and the surrounding area followed the compelling story of the Smith family.

Recently, the Edwards family and some friends also visited the graves of despatchers Roy Abbott, Lionel Abbott and George Chisholme at Overloon War Cemetery as part of their 10-day car trip with their fantastic Morgans. Tim Edwards is the nephew of Flight Lieutenant Jimmy Edwards, who crashed his Dakota C47 in the Staatsbossen in Sint Anthonis on 21 September 1944.

European Jimmy's Ride and the Blokland family have adopted some war graves at Overloon War Cemetery and came to visit Overloon after a 2-hour motorbike ride from West Brabant. In doing so, they surprised us with a cheque and a wonderful donation, which will enable us to realise our goals again.

Our Foundation celebrates its first anniversary today. We are proud of all we have achieved in that one year. Our projects are increasingly taking shape, many portrait photos of the soldiers have been found and with them many background stories. A website has been launched and a very successful adoption plan. Our team has been expanded, in short, we are very confident about the future of our Foundation.

Much interest was shown on 4 and 5 May for the graves and portrait photos. On both days, many adopters and other interested parties stopped by to view the portrait photos and pay attention to the 281 fallen servicemen. The many flowers, flags and notes coloured the cemetery.