In the spring of 2025, as the Netherlands celebrated 80 years of liberation, a number of moving, meaningful events in the East of The Netherlands brought history alive; and BAIV was proud to be part of it.
The journey began with the Drenthe Liberty Tour 2025: over ten days, a column of 100–150 historic WW II military vehicles traversed towns and countryside in Drenthe, following the same routes Allied liberators used in April 1945.
Shortly afterwards, the Operation Cannonshot Wilp commemoration turned the little village of Wilp into a vivid wartime scene. On 12 April 2025, reenactors in Allied and German uniforms, original tanks, historic jeeps and even an amphibious crossing of the river formed a moving, powerful reenactment of the 1945 IJssel-crossing that helped liberate the region. BAIV’s involvement, participating with three thanks, gave extra weight to the unique event.
Then came the Camp Nijverdal, from 1 to 5 May 2025; a living-history bivouac and celebration of freedom in the heart of Twente. Dozens of WW II vehicles formed a rolling parade; there were reenactments, a vintage field kitchen serving wartime-style meals, historic displays, children’s activities and memorial ceremonies for veterans and casualties.
Over the dusty roads of Drenthe, across the dikes by the IJssel in Wilp, and through the lanes of Nijverdal, the liberation of the Netherlands came alive once again.
