To anyone attending the Operation Market Garden commemorations for the first time, one of the most striking features is the whole-hearted welcome, warmth and friendship that the Dutch people extend to all those who make the trip whether they are driving a restored Sherman tank or have simply turned up to watch.
Whereas certain elements of the D-Day commemorations in Normandy have taken on the air of a theme park attraction, those across the Netherlands, and in the Arnhem area in particular, are on a much more human level.
These acts of collective remembrance make a mark that, once felt, never leaves. Whole generations turn out to greet the vehicles and re-enactors who descend on the town every year. Why do they continue to do this? Although very few remain that have first-hand recollections of the dashed hopes and the desperate fighting that culminated in bitter retreat, capture or death during Operation Market Garden, they have all continued to live under its shadow for the past 73 years. Operation Market Garden is almost woven into the DNA of these good Dutch people and their welcome transcends those years. To take part in events like the Race to The Bridge almost feels like time has stood still an…
