Why have you adopted a soldier?

Because of my job as mayor and for personal reasons. As mayor and as a human being it is my inherent conviction that we need to pass on the stories and lessons of the Second World War as well as the individual stories of war victims.

And personally?

Personally I can identify with the soldiers’ children. I was six years old when I lost my father. So I grew up without a dad. But at least I know where his grave is situated. The families of the soldiers at the Soviet Military Cemetery have never known that.

On occasion I read from the book Kind van het Ereveld (Child of the War Cemetery) that really moves me. Every time I come to the bit where private Vladimir Botenko kisses his 6 year old son as he leaves for the front I get a lump in my throat. They never saw each other again. They were only reunited in 2000 when his son was traced by Remco Reiding and came to stand at the grave of his father in Leusden.

On moving images of my father you can see that he loves me very much. Since the birth of my son, three years ago, I have become even more aware of the love of a father for his child. I did not name my son after my dad for nothing. As a baby I took him to the grave of my father to show him to my dad. And I’m not ashamed to say I wept.

Why have you chosen to adopt the grave of private Dmitri Chmel?

I can visit my father’s grave. Dmitri’s next of kin live in Kazakhstan. They can’t care for the grave nor place flowers on it. I can.

Plus if I think it important that these soldiers and their stories are not forgotten I must take responsibility and adopt a grave. Practice what you preach.

Also because of my role as mayor I find it essential to make a subtle choice in which many will recognize themselves. Dmitri was a Russian speaking Ukrainian, who after having lived in Uzbekistan for a while, settled down in Kazakhstan. In him several Soviet republics are united.

What touches you in the story of Dmitri Chmel?

Of Dmitri letters remain from which is quoted in the book Vermist in Kazachstan (Missing in Kazakhstan) of the foundation. Letter 11 in particular moves me. “Farewell sweet children”, writes Dmitri as he once again has to enter into combat. I find that overwhelming. I can’t imagine what it must be like when you’re lying in a trench and have to write a farewell letter to your kids…

In this section, donors of the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation will have their say. They speak in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation. The Foundation is an apolitical, independent organization.