Memorial to the liberation of Europe
Würth Foundation supports a memorial in Marigny, Normandy, at the initiative of Carmen Würth
On Thursday, 5 June 2025, a new memorial commemorating the liberation of Europe by the Allied powers during World War II was inaugurated in Marigny, France. Initiated by Carmen Würth, this project was carried out with financial support from the Würth Foundation and in collaboration with Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V. (German War Graves Commission).
The 3.5-meter-high memorial was made by young employees from businesses in the skilled trades. The steel structure features a stylized American flag that moves with the wind. The supporting elements of the flag resemble abstracted legs of marching soldiers, clad in durable black locust wood. The structure rests on a compass rose, with the four cardinal points symbolizing the international troops involved in Europe’s liberation.
Both Volksbund and the Würth Foundation are deeply committed to keeping the memory of the millions who lost their lives in wars alive. “This memorial is a visible sign of gratitude to those who liberated Europe and a call to all of us to uphold humanity and peace,” said Carmen Würth, who, together with her husband, Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, founded the charitable Würth Foundation in 1987. Carmen and Reinhold Würth have long been committed to Volksbund. Since 2018, Carmen Würth has also been a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Volksbund foundation Gedenken und Frieden (Peace and Remembrance).
“Wars do not simply break out; they are prepared. It all starts with the dehumanization of others, with hatred. Those are the beginnings we must counteract,” emphasized Volksbund President Wolfgang Schneiderhan. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Roth, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Würth Foundation, further highlighted the social responsibility all of us have: “We must start defending democracy and freedom before they lie in ruins. It starts in everyday life. With education. With moral fiber. With remembrance.”
The Marigny location, near the former landing beaches of the Allied powers, was deliberately chosen as it was once the site of an American military cemetery. The new memorial complements the existing memorial wreath, which has commemorated Commonwealth, French, and German soldiers killed in action with 1,000 stylized poppy, cornflower, and forget-me-not blossoms since 2020.
Technical information on the memorial
- Height: 3.5 meters
- Weight: 360 kilograms
- Materials: batch hot-dip galvanized structural steel, weathering steel, and black locust wood
About the Würth Foundation
Founded by Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth and Carmen Würth in Künzelsau, Germany, in 1987, the charitable Würth Foundation promotes projects in the fields of education and sciences, integration and social affairs as well as art and culture. It is supported by companies of the Würth Group in Germany, particularly Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG.
About Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V.
Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V. is a non-profit organization that, on behalf of the Federal Government of Germany, searches for and recovers war dead abroad in order to give them a respectful burial. Last year, over 10,000 people were recovered and buried. Volksbund maintains graves in 45 countries and provides support to the families of the deceased. Through its youth and educational programs, it reaches around 38,000 young people every year. In Germany and Europe, Volksbund is a key player in the culture of remembrance.