Remember Museum 39-45

The Remember 1939-1945 Museum was ceremoniously opened by American veterans in June 1994. It is a private collection made up mainly of objects abandoned by the GIs in December 1944 in the farm of the Schmetz family, before they set off for the battle of the Ardennes. The Schmetz couple experienced occupation and liberation firsthand during the Second World War, much of the exhibits were collected and preserved by themselves, and then made suitable for viewing with care and dedication.

The various dioramas, divided up on three floors, trace the history of our region, part of which ended up annexed to Germany. The museum's mission is primarily educational, which is why all visits take the form of guided tours. This is a chance for children in new classes to take a history course with images and relief works. Many are the US veterans who have entered this museum, happy to to see that what they did for us has not been forgotten.

The collection includes: Citroën Traction Avant, M4 Sherman, Coach with trailer, M4 tank destroyer, various dioramas, connection equipment,
a lot of militaria that was donated by American veterans,
movie booth, weapons and ammunition.

After their visit, all visitors feel a sense of gratitude towards the Belgian and American veterans who risked their lives to offer us a present that we shall probably never be able to give back to them: Freedom.

For current visiting hours, please visit the website of the museum.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar & Ad Smulders
• Photos: Peer Franken (1), Jean van Wersch (2), Ad Smulders (3), Gerry van Liempt (4, 5), Ed Lewandowski (6, 7, 8)