Every year, the LRE Forum brings together members, partners, and tourism professionals from across Europe. Over the years, the forum has become a place where people and organizations connect. Whether you conduct research, are active in education, culture, or remembrance tourism: everyone is welcome.
How do we keep the lessons of the Second World War alive?
After a successful edition in Krakow, the LRE forum is organized this year in and around the municipalities of Arnhem and Nijmegen. The theme is: Future of Remembrance. In other words: how do we ensure that the memory and lessons of the Second World War remain as the last generation of eyewitnesses disappears?
From the air landings at Arnhem to the evacuations in the Betuwe, from hiding places in the Achterhoek to the liberation of Apeldoorn and Nijmegen: the Second World War has left deep marks in Gelderland. This history is inextricably linked to the Allied landing in Normandy, where in June 1944 the liberation of Europe began. From the beaches of Normandy, Allied troops moved step by step northwards until they reached our province. That is why Gelderland is a powerful place for an international conversation about history, remembrance, freedom, democracy, and solidarity in todays Europe.
Call to Gelderland youth
To involve the younger generation, a new component has been added this year: the Youth Forum. A forum prior to the LRE Forum specifically aimed at young people between 18 and 25 years old. On 2 and 3 March 2026, young people from all over Europe can come together here to exchange perspectives, experiences, and ideas. Additionally, the results of this two-day event will be presented by some of the young people during the LRE Conference. A good reason for Gelderland youth to sign up here!
The theme of the LRE Forum is also relevant for us as a province. For young people, the Second World War is becoming more distant from their daily reality. We believe a new and important dialogue arises when we actively involve young people and new veterans in remembrance. This way, remembrance becomes not an obligation but a joint search for meaning in the present. Because freedom is not a given.
Come and discover!
Together with the municipalities of Arnhem and Nijmegen, we support the organization of the LRE Forum 2026, for which several activities and excursions are organized. Some of these activities are open to the public, such as the LRE Conference on 10 March 2026 at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem and the exhibition Art of Remembrance at the House of Nijmegen History. The exhibition is on view until 31 March 2026.
Why the LRE Forum 2026 in Gelderland?
The LRE Forum highlights the historical and cultural highlights of our province. It also provides space for sometimes (still) unknown stories and undiscovered places in Gelderland. Through our contribution to organizing the LRE Forum 2026, we stimulate the development and experience of offerings around remembrance tourism. This strengthens the appeal of our various regions and contributes to economic vitality.
photos: Martyna Szulakiewicz