The For Freedom Museum Knokke-Heist: 16 years young!

On 25 April 2009, exactly 16 years ago, theFor Freedom Museumin Knokke-Heist opened its doors. The grand opening took place in the presence of then-mayor Count Leopold Lippens, Governor Paul Breyne, Defence Minister Pieter De Crem, journalist and godfather Paul Jambers, and numerous guests.

Canadian veteran Adrien Boivin of the Régiment de la Chaudière specially flew across the ocean at the invitation of curators Freddy and Danny Jones to witness this moment. In his speech, he stressed his gratitude that the struggles of his fallen Canadian comrades from the autumn of 1944 were kept alive in the museum. He himself was taken prisoner of war in Oostburg, imprisoned by the Germans in the Dorchester Hotel in Knokke and finally liberated on 1 November 1944.

Thanks to the efforts of former tourism director André Desmidt and the Knokke-Heist town council, as well as support from European, Flemish and local funds, the restoration of the municipal boys' school of Ramskapelle (1876) was able to take place. In 2000, programme maker Paul Jambers had highlighted Freddy's collection of WWII artefacts in his programmeChildren of World War II. From that grew the call to create a museum around the Battle of the Scheldt.

Meanwhile, all130,092 visitors from some 60 countriestheir way to the For Freedom Museum. Thanks to the support of the Knokke-Heist city council, Westtoer, Tourism Flanders, Kustattracties, VRT (Other people's Businesswith Kamal Kharmach) and numerous local sponsors, the museum grew into an international reference.

Recent achievements such as21st Army Group - Monty's Men,Wings For Freedomand theMayor Frans Desmidt Terrace(in cooperation withCnocke is Here) show the ambition to further develop the museum into the meeting place for history and experience.

Finally, a heartfelt word of thanks to our active group of volunteers and permanent staff. Their daily efforts make the museum flourish and excel.Thanks guys & girls!

Danny and Freddy Jones
Conservators For Freedom Museum