© Stadsarchief Amsterdam / ANEFO
Urns containing consecrated ground in the National Monument
Queen's Commissioners place urns containing consecrated ground from the eleven provinces of the Netherlands at the National Monument. Queen Wilhelmina lays a wreath.
The earth comes from places of special significance in the Netherlands including places where executions took place, the Grebbeberg and Walcheren where the Allies landed. There is also earth from Brabant, mixed with the ashes of cremated prisoners from camp Vught.
The National Monument is thus a symbolic grave for all those who gave their lives for their country.
Remembrance
Monuments commemorating those murdered by the German occupier are erected soon after the war. Especially the victims of reprisals are still fresh in the memories of the people.
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