Liberationfire reaches Kleve

On 5 May 2025, the Liberationfire was brought across the border from the Netherlands to Germany. In Kleve, the fire was ceremoniously received at a ceremony on Koekkoek Square. Runners from the region brought the fire from Wageningen via Nijmegen and Kranenburg to Germany.

The event was characterised by freedom, remembrance and cross-border cooperation. Mayor Wolfgang Gebing (Kleve) and Hubert Bruls (Nijmegen) both spoke about the importance of freedom and European solidarity. ‘What is fortunately normal for us today must not be taken for granted,’ emphasised Gebing. Bruls praised the symbolism of the shared moment: ‘The fact that we are here together is the most important thing.’

It was the second time, after 2022, that the Freedom Fire took this cross-border route. This unique collaboration was made possible by the efforts of various partners on both sides of the border: the city of Kleve, the Bundeswehr, the Vrijheidsmuseum in Groesbeek, the municipalities of Berg en Dal and Nijmegen and the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei.

The Euregio Rhine-Waal supported the project as part of the 80 Years of Freedom funding programme. The project also received KPF funding as part of the EU Interreg Germany-Nederland programme. Joint commemorative events and symbolic actions such as these create space for strengthening mutual ties between the neighbouring countries.



(DeepL Translation)