Commemoration of resistance fighter Leendert van der Meer

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to the Sipkesslag in Oostvoorne. Today we commemorate the fact that on October 11, 1944, the Oostvoorne pastor Leendert van der Meer was executed by the German occupiers near here, in the dunes. Last year's commemoration marked the start of the commemoration and celebration of 80 years of liberation and 80 years of freedom. 

At all those commemorations, we told not only the great, and undoubtedly important, stories of freedom and peace, but also the personal stories. The stories of people like Leendert van der Meer. Very ordinary people, who did extraordinary things. And it's those stories that touch me every time
Because all those stories make it clear again and again: every person, can make an enormous difference. Then. And now.

The commemoration of Leendert van der Meer last year was also the first commemoration for me as mayor of Voorne aan Zee. And not only was the starting point of 80 years of freedom special, it was also very special to speak to eyewitnesses of Leendert van der Meer's death. That made this moment even more personal and poignant for me. 

And since then I have been visiting this place very often. For it is incredibly beautiful here and I can greatly enjoy the beautiful nature and surroundings here. But no matter how beautifully the birds sing, how beautifully the autumn colors set the forest ablaze, how quietly the wind rustles through the trees, whenever I am here I involuntarily think of Leendert van der Meer. I think of his last moments. How he must have felt. What must have gone through his mind when it became clear that the end was near. 

But much rather I don't think about his death. Much rather I think about how Leendert van der Meer lived: as a kind, selfless and gentle man. Who was extraordinarily brave. From his life and that of many brave others, I draw inspiration every day. Let us all continue to look for inspiration from all these stories of courage and freedom. Then the sacrifice will not have been in vain.