Recently, together, we commemorated Memorial Day at the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. In my opening remarks there I quoted our Founding Fathers who famously wrote, “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”.
Recent events in America, demonstrate we still need to work hard to achieve that vision outlined at our nation’s birth. Racism and discrimination have no place in a society based on these principles.
George Floyd’s death was tragic and heart-wrenching to watch. The resulting peaceful demonstrations are what a free and open society allow. They encourage us to focus attention on serious issues that must be addressed. The demonstrations that devolved into rioting resulting in further loss of life and property only compounded the pain many of us already felt.
Yes, the events have been painful to us as a country and as individuals. Most Americans know a city, community, or someone that has been deeply affected. Yet even in the midst of our distress, we can take comfort in the fact that the expressions of grief and anguish at Mr. Floyd’s brutal death and the demands for justice have come not just from one group or region of the country, but from the country as a whole. The calls for justice we have witnessed here in the Netherlands and across Europe and the world are similarly heartening. It is evidence of our shared values and the expectation that we do better.
In the coming days and weeks, we as a nation will move to confront the challenges we face. We hope and pray for recovery from the pain. We are confident that we will continue to move forward to make “home” a better place. The aspirations of our Founding Fathers are still bedrock principles to which we are committed.
To our Dutch friends who have expressed their concern and support for our families and our communities as we heal, we say thank you. Jullie zijn echte vrienden.
For the first time in almost 25 years, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden (the dutch National Museum of Antiquities) shows a beautiful selection of textiles from Egypt most of which are over 1,000 years old.
This summer, the colourful exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ focuses on fanciful canvases, fragments of garments and interior textiles from the first millennium AD, in stories about fabrics, styles, weaving techniques, materials, motifs and symbolism. In the hot desert sand of Egypt, these textiles have been exceptionally well preserved for centuries. Nowadays, the material is very fragile and is therefore rarely exhibited.
Modern textile art by thirteen artists of textile group QS2, inspired by the museum’s collection, is displayed alongside the centuries-old fabrics. ‘Textiles from Egypt’ can only be visited for a few months due to the fragility of the antique fabrics, from 1 June until 27 September 2020. All visitors are required to book a start time via www.rmo.nl
Egyptian fabrics were cherished as precious possessions. They usually consist of a simple linen base with beautiful woven, embroidered or stitched details in coloured wool. Some fabrics were used daily, and other pieces were specially made for burials. Almost all fabrics in museum collections were excavated at the beginning of the last century and sold via the art market. Coloured parts were particularly interesting for trade. They were therefore often cut out of the garments, after which the rest was thrown away.
The exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’ gives visitors a spectacular impression of the craftsmanship of ancient textile artists and of the wardrobe and personal taste of the Egyptians in Late Antiquity. It It highlights materials and techniques, and the economic role of textiles in Egyptian society.
On display is a wide selection of fabrics and ornaments with motifs from Greek mythology, ancient Egyptian culture, and Christian faith, sometimes in a wondrous mix. There is also an abundance of geometric and figurative images. Eye-catchers include an ornamental piece with scenes from the biblical story of Joseph from the collection The Phoebus Foundation in Antwerp. Several other objects are on loan from the Allard Pierson in Amsterdam, the Textile Research Centre in Leiden and the dutch National Museum of World Cultures, including masterpieces such as a complete embroidered tunic, a cap and a colourful sock.
Modern textile art
At the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, textile group QS2 is exhibiting new work inspired by the museum’s collection as an integral part of the exhibition ‘Textiles from Egypt’. Visual artist Monika Auch coached QS2 in the developments of these contemporary interpretations of Egyptian textiles.
More summer exhibitions
In addition to ‘Textiles from Egypt’, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is staging the exhibition‘Romans along the Rhine’ for families and the come back of the successful exhibition ‘GLASS’, which was shown earlier in 2019 (both until 28 February 2021). Also on display is the (small) exhibition ‘Saqqara – Living in a City of the Dead’ about the museum’s archaeological excavation in Egypt (until 22 November 2020).
Je suis profondément préoccupée par les nombreux rapports signalant une montée de violences graves depuis plusieurs mois en Ituri, en République démocratique du Congo (« RDC » ), et plus particulièrement dans les territoires de Djugu et Mahagi.
Des informations crédibles indiquent de nombreuses attaques armées, contre la population civile. Ces attaques se sont intensifiées ces derniers mois sur plusieurs territoires de l’Ituri. Ces mêmes informations rapportent également des attaques répétées contre des camps de personnes déplacées internes et des communautés ciblées. De plus, elles signalent le meurtre et la mutilation de nombreuses personnes civiles, dont de nombreux enfants; des enlèvements et des exécutions sommaires ou extrajudiciaires; des crimes sexuels et à caractère sexiste contre des femmes, des filles mineures et des hommes; des pillages systématiques; des incendies et des destructions de maisons, de propriétés privées et d’édifices publics.
Ces actes pourraient constituer des crimes relevant de la compétence de la Cour pénale internationale (« la CPI » ).
Je tiens à rappeler à tous les groupes et parties concernés que nous avons ouvert une enquête en RDC en 2004, et que mon Bureau continue de surveiller avec une extrême vigilance la situation sur toute l’étendue du territoire congolais, y compris celle qui prévaut actuellement dans les territoires de l’Ituri.
J’appelle tous les groupes et toutes les parties à cesser sans délai toutes les attaques, notamment contre la population civile, et à s’abstenir de recourir à toute violence criminelle contraire au Statut de Rome de la CPI.
J’encourage les autorités compétentes de la RDC, conformément au principe de complémentarité qui est au cœur du Statut de Rome et qui confère aux Etats parties la responsabilité première de poursuivre et de juger, à intensifier leurs efforts pour que des enquêtes véritables soient menées. Ceci afin de faire la lumière sur les crimes allégués, et à traduire en justice tous les auteurs et complices impliqués dans la perpétration des actes criminels, enregistrés dans la région de l’Ituri.
J’encourage également les autorités congolaises, avec l’appui de leurs partenaires, à poursuivre résolument leurs efforts, en vue de protéger et de sécuriser les populations civiles et leurs biens, ainsi qu’à prendre les dispositions appropriées afin de prévenir la commission de tels actes à l’avenir.
Mon Bureau va intensifier ses contacts avec les autorités congolaises pour renforcer le travail déjà initié en vue de cartographier les incidents relevant potentiellement de la compétence de la CPI et d’échanger avec les autorités sur les mesures urgentes à prendre, en particulier dans le cadre du traitement des cas prioritaires par la justice congolaise.
Une mission de mon Bureau sera déployée en RDC dès que les conditions liées à la crise sanitaire de la COVID-19 le permettront.
In the picture HM King Felipe VI of Spain & HRH don Pedro of Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria – Picture by Constantinian Order of St George.
At the behest of His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, all the nobiliary corporations, military orders, the five royal masters, the international orders with activities in Spain, as well as other noble and chivalrous corporations, have joined together with a group of members of the titled nobility, to acquire 38. 604 litres of long-lasting milk, – which translates to more than 193,000 breakfasts – as well as ca. 25,000 litres of the best quality extra virgin olive oil, in order to facilitate its distribution to needy families throughout Spain.
The delivery of these basic foodstuffs have been carried out in the Autonomous Communities of Castile-Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura and Andalusia, as requested by the Spanish Red Cross, for their subsequent distribution and delivery to families and people in vulnerable situations, thus contributing to the plan “Red Cross RESPONDS to Covid-19”, initiated when the state of alarm was decreed; thereby the organisation has already reached more than 2,100,000 people in need, fostered social inclusion, education and employment, and shall continue to intensify its activity until the end of the year.
This initiative also supports the Spanish countryside and its products, through different cooperatives in the countryside, such as COVAP, Dcoop and the Interprofesional de aceite de oliva de España.
It should be noted that since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, these nobiliary institutions have collaborated intensely, especially with Caritas and different soup kitchens, as well as with charitable organisations, to alleviate the suffering of many families. They have delivered protective material, medical equipment, medicines to hospitals, residences and didactic material (tablets) so that children from families without resources could follow their classes and do their homework.
The role of the Constantinian Order of St George
The Constantinian Order has played a leading role in this venture of solidarity promoted by His Majesty the King of Spain. HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, The Duke of Calabria, as President of the Royal Council of Spanish Orders, has coordinated this solidarity initiative together with HE The Count Zamoyski, José Miguel Zamoyski de Borbón.
Moreover, The Duke of Calabria, in his capacity as Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, contributed with a donation from the Sacred Militia (and one further on a personal capacity). The participation of the Constantinian Order in this campaign is part of the determined effort it is making at the international level to alleviate the dramatic consequences of the Covid-19 crisis.
Artist Boris Saxe-Coburg (Prince Boris of Bulgaria, The Prince of Tirnovo) is fundraising for NHS Charities Together.
The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds not only for those affected directly by the Covid-19 virus, but to relieve the pressure from the other hospital branches that have also been affected indirectly. His take on this fundraiser are his artworks i.e. sculptures. At the end of the campaign, on 30th June this sculpture below shall be given to the highest overall donors.
Baroness Olympia von Woellwarth-Lauterburg, Boris Saxe-Coburg, Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant – Credit to Metamorphosis Art Projects (https://www.facebook.com/metamorphosisartprojects/)
To support his initiative please follow this link:
The Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini address the Italian community and The Netherlands during the celebrations the 74th anniversary of the Italian Republic in unprecedented circumstances. ” I cannot welcome you to raise your glass together and to emphasize the importance of this celebration – highlighting the innumerable, always astonishing, excellent Italian products in many areas.” he expressed.
“Italy has been hit hard by the pandemic. ” Ambassador Perugini said. “We have added a sad page to our history, but at the same time, we witness extraordinary individual, collective and institutional resilience, dedication, sacrifice and tireless effort. In Italy, I would particularly like to mention doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all other health workers, many of whom died in the performance of their duties. Our thoughts go out to all victims of the pandemic and health workers in particular. We have seen them work with the utmost effort to save lives with great professionalism and generosity.”
Ambassador Perugini remarked that European countries need long-term choices to tackle the economic crisis, and mentioned the new mass financial aid instruments put forward by the European Commission on 27 May.
“The recession effect occurs almost everywhere. Italy is not currently asking Dutch citizens to pay the Italian debt. We don’t even ask the Dutch taxpayer for a euro. Dutch citizens have no reason to think that they are economically disadvantaged in their relationship with Italy. We expect Europe to be able to act coherently and effectively in a common market benefiting both the Netherlands and Italy, because it is inconceivable that anyone could take advantage of this crisis. The crisis is affecting all of us, so a coherent and united approach to it is in our best interest.” Perugini said.
2020, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia: The International Peace Prize of the Peace of Westphalia goes to Alexis Tsipras (Hellenic Republic), Zoran Zaev (Republic of North Macedonia) and Plant-for-the-Planet.
As announced by the the Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe (WWL). The politicians are honoured for their agreement in the Macedonian name dispute. The children and youth of Plant-for-the-Planet receive the award for their active involvement against climate change. The award ceremony shall take place on 19 September 2020 in the City Hall of Münster.
The prize money inamount of 100.000 Euro – donated by the board of trustees, that is, Westphalian entrepreneurial personalities. The latter sum is traditionally divided amongst the awardees.
Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev ended through their agreement the decades long of conflict over the name -North- Macedonia and thereby contributed to the stability in the whole Balkan region. On 12 February 2019, Macedonia took the state of ‘Republic of North Macedonia’;- thus an over three decades of bitter conflict between the neighbours was settled. Hitherto Greece had not accepted the country name Macedonia, as a region in the north of own country is also called thus. “Without Tsipras and Zaev, the name dispute would not have ended, and the feud would continue to destabilise the entire Balkan region” said Chairman Dr. Reinhard Zinkann as per statement below.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 28th May, 2020) Washington‘s interference and threats to Beijing over its plans to impose new legislation on Hong Kong, along with mounting pressure over the coronavirus crisis, are a part of a broader long-term strategy to diminish China‘s influence, and the US will likely try to get more countries to join its anti-China efforts, experts told Sputnik.
Earlier this week, US President Trump has warned China that Washington is preparing a strong response to Beijing‘s plans to implement new security legislation in Hong Kong that would ban the secessionist and subversive activity.
The bill, which has the support of leading ministers in Hong Kong, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam, has been met by a wave of protests. More than 500 demonstrators have been detained over the past week, including many individuals carrying deadly weapons, law enforcement officials in the region have said.
“The Trump administration tries to insert itself into the dispute between Hong Kong and Beijing as part of its strategy aimed at reducing the Chinese sphere of influence at regional and global level. US interference is another example of Washington‘s willingness to maintain a hegemonic residue in Asia,” Tiberio Graziani, the chairman of Vision and Global Trends, International Institute for Global Analyses, told Sputnik.
Inderjeet Parmar, a professor of international politics of City, University of London, similarly noted that the US threats were interference in China‘s domestic affairs.
“In that regard, it would be a bit like you China were to comment on the armed protests in Michigan … So, yes, it certainly is an interference,” the researcher told Sputnik.
Over the past 10 years, especially in the last three years of the Trump administration, the United States has taken an approach to contain Chinese influence, according to Parmar. The bilateral tensions have covered maritime operations in the South China Sea, trade and tariffs, Taiwan, the one-China policy and protesters in Hong Kong, and the latest threats by the US could further ignite them, the analyst noted.
“I think that is the kind geopolitical tension, which has erupted from time to time in a variety of ways and are likely to be exacerbated by this kind of threatening moves,” Parmar said.
“Overall, this has joined the new COVID-19 pandemic, the whole issue about the ‘Wuhan virus’ and or ‘the Chinesevirus’ and President Trump claiming that there was a deliberate or accidental leak from the laboratory of the Institute of Virology in Wuhan.
Basically, the amount of pressure and the international encouragement of investigating China through the World Health Organization and other kinds of pressure seems to be building up,” he added. “Clearly, this has to do with the [US presidential] election coming up in November.”
“Considering the peculiarity of Hong Kong as a financial hub and geostrategic base, it is likely that the US will try to involve many Western allies in their dispute with China, in particular UK and, most likely, Japan. This will have important repercussions on the delicate and unstable regional and global balances,” the researcher said.
According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has already discussed with his UK counterpart coordination of bilateral diplomatic efforts to prevent Chinafrom imposing new national security measures on Hong Kong.
The “Greater Bay Area”.
On Wednesday, Pompeo has also certified to the Congress that Hong Kong no longer warrants the same treatment in accordance with US laws applied to the territory before 1997. Under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed last year, the State Department has to certify at least annually to the Congress that the territory retains enough autonomy to enjoy special commercial and trading privileges from the US. Now that Pompeo asserted otherwise, Trumpmay decide to end some of those privileges.
Trump’s economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, in turn, pledged that Washington could pay full expenses of US firms wishing to move fromHong Kong or China back to the US.
According to Parmar, such a move seems to be aimed at diminishing the reliance on China of strategic industries, such as high tech.
“It looks like is really a very powerful, concerted attempt to contain the rising importance and power of China with a view to basically preventing it, I guess, in the longer run from becoming a hegemonic challenger to the United States,” the researcher said. “As you know, the 2017 national security strategy declares that Russia and China are strategic rivals and I think this is a continuation or the implementation of that broad strategy.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has hit back at Washington for getting involved in China‘s domestic affairs. Beijing considers the ongoing political situation in Hong Kong to be a purely domestic matter.
By H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.
Since the turbulence over the amendment bill last June, the “Hong Kong independence” organizations and radical localists have been colluding with external forces to create frequent riots in Hong Kong. And the situation has become more and more intense, posing an increasing threat to China’s national security.
In response to this situation, in late May, the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative body, passed a “Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security”, which was warmly supported by the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.
China’s legislation to safeguard its own national security is absolutely justified, and is purely China’s internal affair. However, a few countries in the world turn a blind eye to the will of the Chinese people, and make unwarranted accusations against the decision. Very few countries even threat to impose sanctions on China.
It’s known to all that for every country, national security is the fundamental prerequisite for its survival and an important manifestation of sovereign independence. All countries, be they unitary or federal, attach great importance to national security legislation, with no exception. In the US, there are more than 20 legislations on national security, of which the wide coverage and strict implementation measures of the legislations are incomparable to other countries in the world. Since similar legislation could be done by every country in the world, why does it become a problem in HKSAR of China?
One of the arguments is that China’s practice violates its international obligations under the international agreement (that is, the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration). This is, however, completely a pseudo-proposition. People with this argument simply cannot even point out which clause of the Joint Declaration China has violated. The core essence of the Joint Statement is the realization of Hong Kong’s return to China, and this historical mission has been completed already. Although in the Joint Declaration were basic policies of the Chinese government toward Hong Kong mentioned (as elaborated in Paragraph 3 and Annex I of the Joint Declaration), it should be noted that these were policies announced by China on its own in the form of “unilateral declaration of the Chinese government”, and by no means aroused any international obligation to the British side.
China had clearly pointed out to the British side in the negotiation that neither the issue of sovereignty was negotiable, nor was the issue of jurisdiction; and the implementation of the policies were purely internal affairs of China, which had nothing to do with the British side. In fact, the policies declared by the Chinese side had been incorporated into the Basic Law of the HKSAR and had been comprehensively and effectively implemented through laws. There is no single word—in the Basic Law or the Joint Declaration and its annexes—to deprive or weaken the power and responsibility of the Central Government to maintain national security in the HKSAR. It is totally groundless to say that China violates the international agreement.
The “supervision” of the implementation of the Joint Declaration claimed by the UK, however, is the typical mentality of colonialism. Human history has entered the 21st century. The era when one country could wantonly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries is gone for ever. However, some countries still attempt to interfere in China’s Hong Kong affairs by misinterpreting the Joint Declaration.
This is severely against basic principles of international law and norms governing international relations, including mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. The UK should deeply rethink its words and deeds, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs. Instead, it should listen to the just appeal of most countries in the world, implement the advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice on the Chagos Islands in 2019 as soon as possible, and return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius at an early date to complete the decolonization of Mauritius.
The second argument is that the legislative power for national security has been granted to the HKSAR, so it is in the purview of the HKSAR’s autonomy, and is therefore no longer within the central authority. However, this is purely misleading. National security is closely related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Central Government is responsible for upholding national security, as is the case in any country.
H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Netherlands. Photography by Frank Jansen.
This is basic common sense which is self-evident. This has also been reflected in the existing laws of HKSAR. For example, according to the 1997 Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance of the HKSAR, the HKSAR should give notice to the Central Government in relation to every Hong Kong requests and external requests on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. On the ground that “the interests of China in matters of sovereignty, security or public order would be significantly affected” by such mutual legal assistance, the Central Government has the power to issue instructions which the government of HKSAR should comply with.
It must be made clear that the Article 23 of the Basic Law — stating that Hong Kong shall enact laws on its own to prohibit seven types of acts that endanger national security — is a constitutional duty of HKSAR, instead of an exclusive power. The Central Government’s developing national security legislation and applying it to the HKSAR is an inherent power of the top legislature in a sovereign country and is fully in compliance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law. In the 23 years since the return of Hong Kong, due to the obstruction of internal and external anti-China forces, HKSAR has not completed the legislative task stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law.
In fact, Hong Kong has become a rare case in the world without any national security legislation, which is extremely abnormal and must not continue any more. It is against this background that the National People’s Congress decisively exercised its legislative power and fill up the loophole at this critical and urgent time. There is no conflict between the NPC’s legislation and Article 23 of the Basic Law, which means HKSAR still needs to fulfill its duty of local legislation following the Basic Law in order to cooperate with national law to form a institutional assurance that effectively maintain national security in the Hong Kong SAR.
The third argument they raise is that the legislation by Beijing and the establishment of a national security agency in Hong Kong will restrict Hong Kong’s human rights and freedom, impair Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, and lead to “One Country, One System”. This worry is completely unnecessary. First, the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong”, and a high degree of autonomy are basic national policies independently chosen by China, not imposed by any foreign country.
No other country, more than China itself, wants Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability and it hopes that “One Country, Two Systems” will be stable and far-reaching.
The enactment of Hong Kong-related national security legislation will only improve the “One Country, Two Systems” system and will not affect its capitalist system or independent judicial power, or derogate the rights and freedom of expression, press and assembly enjoyed by Hong Kong residents according to law. Second, the Decision of National People’s Congress pointed out clearly that the Hong Kong-related national security legislation targets only very few acts that seriously endanger national security, such as secession, subversion against the Central People’s Government, organizing and carrying out terrorist activities and foreign interventions in affairs of the Hong Kong SAR. After all, only a handful of people may engage in these activities. For other people who do not, there is nothing to worry about.
The situation in Hong Kong in the past year has fully demonstrated that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong cannot be achieved without maintenance of national security. Some thugs now openly advocate “Hong Kong independence”, smash and burn everywhere, indiscriminately attack innocent civilians, destroy public facilities, challenge rule-based governance. Violent terrorist activities continue to escalate, and illegal interference by external forces is more emboldened, which have seriously threatened the lives and property of residents, and greatly affected investors’ confidence in Hong Kong.
The main reason for these chaos is the weak foundation of national security. Therefore, taking the NPC legislation as an opportunity to improve Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security will better protect the rights and freedom enjoyed by Hong Kong residents according to law, better protect the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong, so that to create conditions to solve deep-seated problems such as the economy and livelihood and create a more stable and reliable rule of law and business environment. And only under this premise can the concern of the business community about “violent terrorist activities”,“mutual destruction” and other chaos be eliminated, so that to create more favorable conditions for people from abroad who intend to work, invest, and live in Hong Kong.
It seems that for certain country intending to use Hong Kong as a bridgehead to contain, infiltrate and destroy China, it is good to keep Hong Kong “undefended” in national security so that they can do whatever they want. And that is why they react so strongly toward Chinese legislation.
However, maintaining national security concerns China’s core interests and is a just and necessary move by a sovereign country, therefore no room for compromise.
No matter under what pressure, the Chinese government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement “One Country, Two Systems” policy, and oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs.
We have also noticed that not all countries that have expressed concerns on China’s above-mentioned legislation intend to endanger China’s national security. Some are misled and coerced. I would suggest these countries be calm and not parrot others to rush into conclusions, get blinded by ideological prejudice, or line up with camps and ignore the truth and facts. In the next step, the Chinese legislature will start drafting and formulating specific national security laws concerning Hong Kong in accordance with the Decision of the National People’s Congress. In the process, it will also consult the people of different sectors in Hong Kong in an appropriate manner.
It is hoped that all countries could adopt an objective and fair approach, understand, respect and support the efforts of the Chinese government to maintain national security, and not interfere in China’s internal affairs in any way.
H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States and HM King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands.
On Sunday, May 24, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and United States Ambassador, H.E. Pete Hoekstra led an intimate ceremony in which their two countries remembered the sacrifice of the more than 10,000 US citizens who lost their lives 75 years ago during the liberation of the Netherlands.
Despite the lack of public due to the current restriction, the ceremony featured very powerful moments. The King and Ambassador Hoekstra laid wreaths in honor of the soldiers buried in Margraten, the cemetery’s director shared a moving story of two of the fallen with a unique connection, and the Dutch Royal Air Force conducted a fly-by in the Missing Man formation.
Margraten, cemetery’s director during the ceremony.
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Hoekstra took pride of the strong relationship between his country and the Netherlands, stressing how these ties are deeply rooted in the two countries’ love for freedom.
“Margraten is just one of the many reminders of why and how our two nations are real friends: our shared commitment to the love for freedom” – he said.
The Dutch Royal Air Force conducted a fly-by in the Missing Man formation.
“Those moments and others speak to the deep friendship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States of America. The willingness of both countries to work through the challenges presented by COVID-19 and find a way to honor these soldiers on Memorial Day was itself a tribute to the souls interred there” – a communique of the US Embassy stated.
“We hope that soon enough the families who tend to these graves, who have adopted these heroes as their own, will be able to walk along the headstones, and let loved ones in the U.S. know that these sacrifices made nearly a century ago have not been forgotten.”
HM King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands in Margraten cemetery.
