Heusden to hold commemorations for WWII liberation and Town Hall disaster

The municipality of Heusden will hold commemorations on November 4, 2026, to honor two significant World War II events: the liberation of the region and the victims of the Town Hall disaster.

In Drunen, a ceremony will take place at the Pijlmonument at 12:00 PM to mark the 1944 crossing of the Drongelens Canal by the Scottish 51st Highland Division, which initiated the liberation of the area.

In Heusden, a memorial service for the Town Hall disaster will begin at 7:00 PM at the Catharijnekerk, followed by a silent march to the former town hall. This year’s commemoration is notable for new historical research indicating that at least 137 people died in the disaster, rather than the previously assumed 134. To reflect this, 137 candles will be lit, and Mayor Willemijn van Hees will read the names of the three additional victims.

Additionally, Bezoek De Langstraat is organizing guided liberation walks on November 4 and November 7 to preserve local wartime history. These tours will visit historical sites and monuments, supplemented by a special film regarding the liberation of Heusden shown at the local Tourist Information Point.