Visit a museum or monument
Whether you live in Belgium or are just visiting, there is much to see and do when it comes to remembering the sacrifice of those who died for the liberation of Europe. Visit one of the many museums that bring the past to life, or explore the countryside for memorials and monuments of interest.
There are dozens of museums dedicated to the First and Second World Wars in Belgium. Below are a few recommendations about museums to visit, or discover a list of monuments and memorials:
Inaugurated in 1957, this monument commemorates General George S. Patton. It is located on the spot on which he made his famous speech to his men as they advanced on Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.
Located in the center of Aubel, this monument commemorates the three American Infantry Divisions that liberated the area during the war.
Located in Aubel, Belgium, this monument is dedicated to the men of the 30th Infantry Division who fought and died for the freedom of all.
Located in Butgenbach-Bullingen, Belgium, this monument commemorates the 458 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division who died between 16 December 1944 and 7 February 1945.
Located just outside of the village of Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, this monument commemorates the the 1223 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division who lost thier lives between 7 September and 15 December 1944.
Located in Mons, Belgium, this monument commemorates the 314 soldiers of the 1st Infnatry Division who lost their lieves between 25 July and 6 September 1944.
The library of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is a tribute to America’s role in the relief and liberation of Belgium in WWI. The building is adorned with various symbols and inscriptions related to America, such as this one in Latin above the front door: “SANGVINIS AMERICI BELGII LIBERATIONIS CAUSA PROFVSI RECORDATIONI PERENNI." (As a lasting memorial to the American blood that was shed for the liberation of Belgium.)
On 4 November 2018, the US 37th Infantry Division pushed across the River Scheldt, puncturing one of of the German Army's last lines of defense. Since the soldiers of the "Buckeye Division" were mostly from Ohio, this bridge was built in their honor when it was reconstructed following the war.
The American Battle Monuments Commission erected this monument in honor of the 37th and 91st Infantry Divions that liberated this area of Belgium in WWI.
The American Battle Monuments Commission erected this monument in honor of the 27th and 30th US Infantry Divisons that liberated this area of Belgium in WWWI.