Lidia Aleksejeva can not control her feelings any longer. She weeps, tears of sadness, of incredulity, of happiness as well. For the first time she sees the grave of her father Ivan Opalev, who died in the Second World War. No trace of him was thought to be left. She kneels close to the stone in the Soviet War Cemetery, keeping her tearful face hidden behind her handkerchief. She has put flowers at the foot of the stone and hung a small wreath by its side She talks to the stone, softly and with a broken voice. – Amersfoortse Courant, 4 May, 2005
Time and again witnessing the relatives of the Soviet soldiers buried there visiting the graves for the first time, has been an emotional moment. It is only recently that relatives of the soldiers buried here, in the Soviet Soldiers War Cemetery, have been traced. Children and grandchildren of these soldiers are eager to visit the graves of their father or grandfather for the first time in their lives. But they often do not have the means to organise and finance such a visit. The Foundation Soviet War Cemetery therefore organises such a visit: which includes the journey and the stay for relatives of these Soviet soldiers.
The Foundation plans the invitation, accompanies the application for a visa, gives advice about the journey to Holland, organises a place to stay, either with a family or in a hotel suggests a programme provides a permanent companion and an interpreter provides transport provides flowers to be put on the graves, etc. On top of that if possible, the Foundation will pay for any expenses made during the visit. If possible, relatives plan their visit in the first half of May, so that they can be present at the Commemoration of the Dead (the 4th of May) as well as at the Day of the Soviet Victory (9th of May).
Should you be willing to make a contribution in order to make this journey possible for these relatives, you can adopt a grave. In order to do so you can donate your contribution to NL88RABO0127654739 in the name of the Soviet War Cemetery, or contact us. The Tax Administration has indicated the Foundation the Soviet War Cemetery as cultural ANBI (short for an institution of general benefit). Your contribution may therefore be considered for extra tax deduction.