Young and old came together on Sunday, May 3, to lay flowers on all 865 graves at the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden. More than 80 enthusiastic people rolled up their sleeves and prepared the cemetery for the week of remembrance.
We also placed photos of soldiers at the graves, so that the tombstones would regain a face.
“It is fantastic to see how so many different people come together on this day and roll up their sleeves together,” said Remco Reiding, director of the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation. “Not only do we keep the memory of war victims alive in this way, but new connections and friendships are also formed between people of different generations, background, or religion.”
Vica Dekker, a student at GSG Guido in Amersfoort, created a special moment. She is one of the finalists of the #GeefVrijheidDoor (Pass Freedom On) lesson module by the National Committee 4 and 5 May and youth organization Young Impact. In this lesson module, students are invited to express their thoughts on peace and freedom. Vica reached the finals with her poem. She recited it on the war cemetery on Sunday.
You can read the poem here.
Afterwards, a short ceremony took place at the Obelisk in the War Cemetery, in the presence of representatives from the Embassy of Uzbekistan. For years, the embassy has shown great commitment to the commemorations and the attention paid to the soldiers buried in the War Cemetery, many of whom are from Uzbekistan. Afterwards, everyone could join the Soviet Experience for a ‘plov’ offered by the embassy, a traditional dish reminiscent of the pilaf better known in the Netherlands.
Thanks to all volunteers and those involved who helped prepare the War Cemetery for the Remembrance Week.
Together we keep the memory alive.
