It seems everyone is riding bikes in the Netherlands. There are dedicated bike lanes in every city and through the countryside. It is a culture I rather like. In Orlando Florida I know of several people who lost their lives because they were hit by cars while biking. Biking in Orlando is a hazard.
There were dozens of bikes lined up in this Roermund inner city square. Bikers came and went while I sketched. I sat down at a spot under a tree, but always felt I was a little in the way with all the comings and goings.
The Munster Church was first built in the 13th Century. It was one part of a huge Abby most of which was demolished in 1924. Between 1863 and 1869 the church underwent a large renovation. The church name comes from the Latin word, monasterium, meaning monastery.
Roermund was occupied by Germany from 1940 to 1945, and liberated by the 35th US Infantry Division on March 1, 1945 which would be shortly before the 75th Infantry would set up a command post in the city. The liberation came about as part of Operation Blackcock. This military offensive started in January of 1945 to clear the area between the Meuse and Roer rivers. The German paratroopers put offered considerable resistance in the areas south of Roermund. Allied troops in particular the 52nd Lowland Division suffered serious losses.
Munster Church was slightly damaged during the fighting to liberate Roermund in March of 1945. Roermund suffered from up to 90% of its buildings being destroyed.