On the picture, Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Orsolya Szijjártó.
Commemoration liberation of 26 Hungarian ministers by Michiel de Ruyter in 1676.
Last Friday, a ceremony was held at the Pathé Buithenhof in the Hague in the attendance of 350 people.
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Frits de Ruyter de Wildt, the president of the heritage foundation Michiel de Ruyter, is also a 12th generation descendant of de Ruyter. He commented that 2015 recollects “De Ruyter-year” in 2007, which was the 400th birth anniversary of Admiral de Ruyter. Several exciting activities this year include the release of the film Michiel de Ruyter, the 350th anniversary of the Marine Corps, various commemorations at home and abroad, as well as the restoration of a family portrait. However, the annual Hungarian celebration is a recurring highlight.
H.E. Ms. Orsolya Szijjártó, Ambassador of Hungary, encouraged the special collaboration between the embassy and the foundation. The situation in Europe during the Golden Age, filled with political and religious struggles, led to the imprisonment of the Hungarian ministers. Michiel de Ruyter was asked by the state to release them and successfully completed his mission.
Whereas the Netherlands commemorates de Ruyter for his role in the sovereignty of the state with his military successes as admiral, Hungary commemorates him as a liberator. In addition, the ambassador referred to today’s relevance of the act of Michiel de Ruyter in light of the recent atrocities committed in the name of religion and emphasized the importance of freedom of religion.
In line with the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, a musical interlude was provided by the Marine Band jazz quintet. This was a beautiful and appropriate contribution by the Royal Navy, who was represented in the audience by Brigadier Frank van Sprang.
On the picture, Ambassador H.E. Orsolya Szijjártó with her partner Mark and the chair of the Michiel de Ruyter Foundation Frits de Ruyter-de Wildt with his partner Marlies.
Then, (off-duty) Commander Jan Nuboer gave a lecture on “The life of Michiel before the movie”. He posed questions such as: Why did Johan de Witt (a key Dutch politician mid-17th century) argue that Michiel was the sole person who could succeed Maarten Tromp (Dutch officer and then admiral from 1607 to 1653)? Which developments introduced by Michiel qualified him for the highest office due to his experience? In response, the movie only upholds his successes.
After another rendition by the Marine Band, the expectant audience watched the movie.
