83-Year-Old Recalls Belgium's Liberation 75 Years Ago

Dr. Annette Baumgartner · 2026-05-23

Seventy-five years ago, the people of Belgium experienced a moment they had been praying for: liberation from Nazi occupation. For those who lived through it, the memories are seared into their souls. Today, we hear from one such witness, Angèle Depauw, who was just 8 years old when the war ended. Her story is a powerful reminder of what freedom truly costs. ### A Child's View of War Angèle Depauw, now 83, still vividly remembers the day the Allies arrived. "War... people today cannot imagine it," she says. Her words carry the weight of someone who saw hunger, fear, and uncertainty as everyday realities. For a child, the liberation meant the end of hiding, the end of constant dread, and the beginning of a new life. - She recalls the sound of boots on cobblestones, which once signaled danger, now heralded hope. - The taste of real bread after years of substitutes. - The sight of flags appearing from windows like flowers after a long winter. These small details paint a larger picture of resilience. Liberation wasn't just a political event; it was a deeply personal homecoming for a nation.  ### Why This History Matters Today It's easy to assume that peace is permanent. But Depauw's generation knows better. They understand that stability is fragile and that the freedoms we enjoy were paid for with immense sacrifice. For professionals in the United States who study WWII history or plan educational travel, these firsthand accounts are invaluable. > "The war taught us that everything can be taken away in a moment," Depauw reflects. "That's why we must never forget." Her testimony is a bridge to a past that is slipping away as survivors age. Preserving these stories is not just about honoring the dead—it's about teaching the living. ### Lessons for Today's World What can we learn from a woman who lived through the Belgian liberation? Perhaps it's the importance of community. During the war, neighbors shared whatever they had, even if it was just a potato or a kind word. In a world that often feels divided, that spirit of solidarity is worth reviving. Also, her story reminds us that war is not abstract. It's about children who miss school, families who go hungry, and communities torn apart. When we talk about conflict today, we should remember that behind every statistic is a human face. ### How to Honor the Memory If you're a history buff or a professional organizing commemorative events, consider these ways to keep the memory alive: - **Visit local memorials** and museums dedicated to WWII, especially in Belgium. - **Listen to oral histories** from survivors while they are still here to share them. - **Support educational programs** that teach the realities of war to younger generations. These actions ensure that the sacrifices of 1944-1945 are never forgotten. Angèle Depauw's story is just one of millions, but it carries a universal truth: peace is precious, and it is worth protecting. ### A Final Reflection As we mark 75 years since Belgium's liberation, we owe it to people like Angèle to listen. Her generation gave us the gift of freedom. The least we can do is remember. And maybe, in remembering, we can build a world where war truly becomes a thing of the past.