Since its inauguration on July 16, 1950, in the presence of Prince Baudouin, future King of the Belgians, and General McAuliffe, commemorations have followed one another until today.
The site was chosen, among other reasons, for its elevated location and its position on the demarcation line between the Rhine and Meuse basins. In 1946, the first stone was inaugurated, and some soil from the Ardennes was taken to be sent to the USA. The hill of Mardasson reinforces its symbolic value as a symbol of freedom illustrated by a milestone (n°1147) decorated with the torch of the Statue of Liberty. The first milestone is located in Sainte-Mère-Eglise in Normandy. At the top of the monument, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Bastogne and its battlefields.
Finally, a crypt dug eight meters deep and decorated with mosaics by Fernand Leger houses the three altars representing Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant religions.
