Along the river Geul and in Valkenburg, the Germans also offered significant resistance for a short time. Kerkrade, which lies near the German border, was largely evacuated at the end of September. The inhabitants had to walk right through the front to liberated territory. Despite a temporary ceasefire, German artillery shelled them en route, killing 13 people and wounding many refugees. The contrasts were particularly sharp, because elsewhere it was not as bad. Some inhabitants of a village in the hilly country went to a neighbouring village in order not to miss the liberation celebration. Late at night, they returned to their hometown, which was still in German hands.

In many places, traces of the Second World War are still visible. The most impressive place is without doubt the American cemetery in Margraten. Here you can see and feel what freedom means.