The annual commemoration of the liberation of Hechtel took place on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The Battle of Hechtel took place in September 1944 between German elite troops and Allied Welsh Guards in the village of Hechtel in Belgian Limburg. It was the first form of organized German resistance following the breakthrough in Normandy. During the fierce fighting, which lasted one week, the center of Hechtel was almost completely destroyed. There were several hundred casualties, including civilians.

Program

09:15: Gathering at the Hechtel-Eksel town hall

09:30: Eucharistic celebration in the church of Hechtel

due to the very bad weather the following tributes were held in the church

10:30: Procession to the cemetery with a blessing and floral tribute

11:15: Procession to the memorial site behind De Schans for speeches and floral tribute

12:15: End of the ceremony