Monument Grote Markt
On this bronze plaque, artist Willem Valk has applied tongues of fire and a crystal shape. These represent the text that can be read on the bronze plaque: 'Then out of war and fire / rose the clear crystal of peace'.
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The text refers to the fierce battle that accompanied the liberation of the city of Groningen by Canadian forces. They entered the city on 13 April 1945, after which the fighting around the Grote Markt turned disastrous. Grenade fire caused many historical buildings to go up in flames and violated the heart of the city. On Monday 16 April, the Canadians further closed in the city centre and broke the last resistance.