Oosterbeek - The board of the Police Sports Association has decided to cancel the 74th Airborne March in its regular form. But they do not give up and look for an alternative ways to facilitate the hikers.
But in the regular form, so with about 30,000 people walking around a few square kilometres in a few hours, that is not going to happen this year.
"Due to current Covid 19 circumstances and an uncertain future prospect till at least September, we unfortunately and with great pain had no other option than to cancel the 2021 edition."the organisation writes in its newsletter.
"It is for us impossible to organise an Airborne March on a safe and responsible way with more than 30.000 walkers and approx. 20.000 visitors."
"We hope you support and respect our inevitable decision. We also care about the hundreds of volunteers and co-operators and find it almost impossible to guarantee safe working conditions for them on the routes and on the Hartenstein sports park. It has been a sad and emotional process and a tough decision to disappoint all of you for the second time in two years."
"In the near future we will discuss how we can facilitate a 74th Airborne March. Not with full logistical support, but more on a small personal scale. Please check our website or social-media-channels for further information."
"Nevertheless with enthusiasm we’re looking ahead to the 75th Airborne March edition on 03 September 2022. A remembrance of the sacrifices of thousands of mostly young Allied soldiers and civilians in 1944. It is their legacy we show our respect to, since 1947 and in many years to come."
It's the second time the Airborne March is cancelled due to the corona measurements. Yet many people walked a route on their own initiative. This will also happen this year anyway, just like the Airborne Arch will also be placed again.
Also see: No March this year but a September without the Airborne-arch? No way!