Relationship with Bayeux
The relationship between Eindhoven and Bayeux was established in September 1945, the two cities having in common the fact that they were their nation's first cities to be liberated from German occupation. The official liberation date for Bayeux was June 6th, 1944, and for Eindhoven September 18th, 1944. (Later, it became known that the Dutch city of Maastricht was liberated 4 days prior to Eindhoven, however by allied troops moving northwards following a different route).
The troops which liberated both cities had Arnhem, The Netherlands as their destination in order to take part in "Operation Market Garden". This mission, which led troops via the infamous "Hell's Highway", unfortunately failed near Arnhem at a later date.
As early as 1945, the foundation's initiative takers decided to annually obtain the freedom fire torch from Bayeux, Normandy for use in Eindhoven's symbolic lighting of the freedom fire. To this date, the torch from Bayeux is transported following nearly the same route which allied troops travelled in 1945. 
Each year, a delegation from Eindhoven is present in Bayeux for the city's commemorative festivities. Besides members of the Stichting 18 September and the city's Mayor , the delegation is comprised of representatives from Eindhoven's City Council, students from several high school and the bicyclists who transport the torch to Eindhoven. Since 1989, a number of volunteers from Eindhoven's "Lichtjesroute" ("Light Parade") are part of the delegation as well. The volunteer's mission is to "illuminate" Bayeux's liberation with "light from Eindhoven".
In September 2008, Eindhoven and Bayeux officially became "sister cities".
