Commemorating Courage: The 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden

Hundreds of paratroopers commemorated the 80th anniversary of World War II’s Operation Market Garden by performing jumps over Ginkel Heath in the Netherlands. This daring but unsuccessful mission aimed to seize key bridges from the Nazis. The event was attended by veterans, dignitaries, and thousands of spectators.

Hundreds of paratroopers dropped from near-cloudless skies over Ginkel Heath in central Netherlands on Saturday to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, one of World War II's most daring — but unsuccessful — missions.

Troopers from the Dutch Air Mobile Brigade and 12 other NATO nations performed the jumps, witnessed by World War II veterans and about 60,000 spectators. Mayor Rene Verhulst described the site as a place where courage, sacrifice, and hope came together 80 years ago.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli of US forces in Europe highlighted that the mission laid the foundation for the NATO alliance. He emphasized that the spirit of cohesion from past battles infuses the alliance today. The anniversary drops occurred just days after the Netherlands honored the first Dutch village liberated from German occupation.

(With inputs from agencies.)