The Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne

Historical information

The Mardasson Memorial was built in 1950. It stands as a token of gratitude by the Belgian population for the liberation of the country by the American Army and the allies. The construction of the memorial was suggested by the Belgo-American association (a panel of several eminent Belgian personalities). By erecting this monument they wanted to remember the young Americans who came to liberate Belgium at the cost of their own lives.

The Mardasson Memorial is a tribute from the Belgian population as a whole to the American nation. Its construction came about thanks to an initiative of the Belgian American Association set up in 1945 and consisting of various Belgian dignitaries who wished to perpetuate the memory of those brave American youths who fell on our soil. Given that the American effort was so decisive here, Bastogne was chosen as the site for the memorial’s construction. For the Americans, Bastogne is the symbol of their legendary spirit of resistance, but also of their sense of judgement in their victorious counter offensive.
On the 4th July 1946, in what was to become the Memorial’s central point, a little earth was removed and placed in a casket, which was then sealed in the United States Ambassador’s presence and sent by special plane (a Sabena DC4) to Washington. A Belgian delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, handed over the sacred casket to the then president of the United States, Harry Truman.
It was above this central point that the stone bearing the following inscription would later be placed.
LIBERATORIBUS AMERICANIS
POPULUS BELGICUS MEMOR
4. VII. MCMXLVI
(The Belgian people remember their American liberators – 4th July 1946)

The monument was inaugurated on the 16th July 1950, in the presence of highly respected Belgian and American dignitaries; delegations from England, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg reinforced the international character of the event. It goes without saying that many veterans associations were present, not to mention the architect Mr Georges Dedoyard, laureate of a competition for the project, and the contractor Mr Félicien Calay.

A sealed parchment, signed by various Belgian and American dignitaries, is to be found in the foundations. The Memorial is shaped to represent the star of freedom, with five points, each one measuring 31 metres. The central atrium’s diameter is 20 metres with a height of up to 12 metres, the summit is encompassed by a circular gallery leading to the orientation tables (scale models showing different stages of the battle), one for each point of the star. The names of the 48 states which then made up the United States are engraved on the crown. Around the outside, badges from the main battalions to have participated in the Battle of the Saillant, can be found. On the inner wall the battle’s progression is explained in English and in ten paintings.

A crypt was also dug in the rock; a reminder of the sacrifice made by the 76,890 American heroes killed, injured or reported missing in the battle. Three altars are dedicated respectively to the catholic, protestant and Jewish religions. The beautifully coloured mosaics are by the artist Fernand Léger.
At nightfall, when floodlit, the Memorial stands out majestically.

Location information

The Mardasson Memorial is located in Bastogne next to the Bastogne Historical Center (Belgium).

More information on the city of Bastogne can be found here. You can see a city photo tour there.