From liberation to legacy: Gavin helped build a lasting U.S.-Dutch bond in Nijmegen

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin arrived near Nijmegen in September 1944 commanding the 82nd Airborne Division during Operatio… NIJMEGEN, Netherlands — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin arrived near Nijmegen in September 1944 commanding the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden. After the fighting ended, he continued his relationship with the Dutch city and helped turn a connection forged during war into one centered on reconstruction, education and friendship. Allied forces launched Operation Market Garden Sept. 17, 1944, to secure critical bridges and terrain through the Netherlands. Gavin’s 82nd Airborne Division operated around Nijmegen and Groesbeek. On Sept. 20, paratroopers of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment crossed the Waal River with support from airborne engineers as Allied forces fought to capture Nijmegen’s bridges.

For Anja Adriaans, founder and chair of Friendship Albany Nijmegen, Gavin’s contribution to the city did not end with liberation. “General Gavin did two amazing things for the city of Nijmegen,” Adriaans said. “They liberated the city, and then they felt, well, we need to help. We want to help.” Gavin returned to Nijmegen after the war and saw that liberation had only started the city’s long recovery. “Gavin came back in ’46 and ’47 after the liberation of our city, Nijmegen, and he said, ‘This city needs help,’” said