More than eighty volunteers placed about 1,350 candles on the war graves at the Soviet War Cemetery and the Rusthof cemetery in Leusden tonight. In doing so, they brought some light into the darkness on Christmas Eve.
“The family members of these World War II victims usually live far away and cannot place a candle themselves,” said Remco Reiding on behalf of the organizer, the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation.
Three young volunteers from the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation—Charly, Luna, and Roy—each placed a large white candle at the obelisk at the Soviet War Cemetery at the start of the gathering. Within an hour, thanks to the efforts of many, a candle was burning at each of the nearly 1,350 war graves.
The board, staff, and volunteers of the Soviet Cemetery Foundation wish everyone happy holidays and a peaceful and prosperous 2025.
Photos by Jos Vink/Soviet War Cemetery Foundation
