20/09/2025
PRESS RELEASE
Driel, September 16, 2025
Historical commemoration in Driel: rehabilitation of Polish paratroopers
“A moment that will go down in history.”
The Driel-Poland Foundation is organizing the 81st commemoration of the landing of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade during Operation Market Garden on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Chairman Frank Boeijen: “This year marks a historic moment and will go down in history. During the ceremony, dignitaries from the British and Polish governments, together with Minister Brekelmans of Defence, will unveil a plaque, with which the United Kingdom officially recognizes the courageous, but long-understated contribution of the Polish paratroopers.”
The unveiling follows the ceremony on June 18 in Warsaw, where the original flag
of the Polish brigade was handed over to its successor, the 6th Airborne Brigade from
Kraków. The Driel-Polen Foundation's presence at this ceremony underscores its
years-long commitment to rehabilitation. Frank Boeijen: “The significance of this moment is immense, because it says: commitment to the freedom of others knows no culprits and is always good and great. It is this important message that is relevant every day and formative for generations.”
First: preview of interactive monument 'What would I do?'
On the day of the commemoration, the first images of a new interactive
monument will also be on display at the "The Poles of Driel" information center. The foundation wants an experience route along at least five viewpoints in and around Driel, bringing the story of the Polish paratroopers to life. Eighty years ago, they were dropped north of Driel and fought for five days for the freedom of a country that was not theirs. Through audio—and soon possibly also with video or augmented reality—visitors will experience the tension, doubt, courage, and solidarity of those days. The route invites reflection with the compelling question: "What do you stand for, what would you do?" Frank Boeijen: "To make this interactive monument a reality, and thus to make the story of Poland a living message for today and tomorrow, all help is very welcome, and we are looking for organizations that want to help make this happen. Interested parties who care about the story of Poland as a message for future generations can contact the foundation via email: [email protected]."
