Liberation Route Europe is an international commemoration brand that connects significant milestones from the Second World War. As a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, Liberation Route Europe aims to mark Europe's liberation from occupation during World War II and reflect on its long-lasting consequences and history through a multi-national and multi-perspective approach. With hundreds of sites and stories across nine European countries, this brand links the main regions along the Allied Forces' advance from 1943-1945.

To make the route a physical part of the European landscape, Liberation Route Europe is developing a network of trails in collaboration with hiking associations. These trails, spanning nearly 10,000 km, allow visitors to experience the route through hiking, walking, and cycling. Renowned architect Daniel Libeskind has designed a symbolic family of trail markers called the 'Vectors of Memory' to honor the people, places, and stories found throughout the European landscape.

To enhance the experience along the Liberation Route Europe, the LRE Foundation has created 'audio spots' where visitors can read and listen to moving stories in English, Dutch, and German. These stories provide insight into the specific events and personal experiences that occurred at each location. Through its international network, the LRE Foundation connects individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and valuing the tangible and intangible cultural heritage related to World War II.

Their main objective is to make this history relevant and accessible, particularly for younger generations. Support for the Liberation Route Europe project and its associated hiking trails comes from various sources. The Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany and its embassy in the Netherlands, the vfonds (Dutch Foundation for Peace, Freedom and Veteran Support), and the Belgian National Lottery are among the organizations providing financial support to further develop and promote the Liberation Route Europe.

To learn more about this brand and its projects, visit www. lre-foundation. org.

For specific information about the national branches of the LRE Foundation, refer to LRE Italia at http://www. lre-italy. org