Faces of Liberation

The Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek is the final resting place of 2,618 soldiers from Canada and the British Commonwealth. Many of them were killed during the liberation of Europe in the final months of the Second World War. In addition, the impressive Groesbeek Memorial bears the engraved names of 1,011 soldiers who have been missing since the crossing of the Seine in August 1944. This richly illustrated book brings their stories to life. Who were these young men who gave their lives for freedom, democracy and peace? Faces of Liberation is not only a historical document, but also a living tribute to the deep transatlantic ties between the Netherlands and Canada. Thanks to the efforts of Dutch volunteers, who maintain contact with Canadian relatives, the memories of these fallen servicemen live on. With special attention to the Canadian contribution to the liberation of the Netherlands, the role of First Nations soldiers, and the way in which this history is commemorated in both countries, Faces of Liberation offers a novel perspective on the legacy of war and how it is remembered. The extensive lists of names of the fallen and missing also makes it not only a unique reference work but also a powerful reminder of our enduring duty to remember. Also available in Dutch as Gezichten van de Bevrijding: ISBN 9789464564891

The Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek is the burial place of 2,618 soldiers from Canada and the British Commonwealth. Most died during the liberation of the Netherlands and the decisive Rhineland Offensive at the end of World War II. This book brings their individual stories to life and offers a moving tribute to the young men who fought for freedom, democracy and peace. With the names of all the fallen and the 1,012 missing on the Memorial Wall, this is a valuable unique reference work that permanently honours their sacrifices. The book tells the history of the cemetery through a transatlantic lens with a special focus on the efforts of Dutch volunteers and local heritage institutions to keep the collective memory alive. Through rich illustrations, this book shows how the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek has become a living tribute to the ties between the Netherlands and Canada.