Brunssum, The Netherlands – The Annual International Service of Remembrance Ceremony took place at the Monument of Tolerance, located in front of the Leudal Museum in Haelen, Limburg, Thursday, 14th November, 2024.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of the countries involved in the ceremony. Notably, Brigadier General Pavel Skala, Assistant Chief of Staff J9 at Joint Force Command Brunssum, laid a wreath on behalf of JFC Brunssum, while Colonel Kevin Kane, JFC Brunssum Director of Communications, laid a wreath on behalf of the US community and Colonel Bianca Jansen, Senior National Representative for the Netherlands at JFC Brunssum, laid a wreath on behalf of the Dutch community at the command.
The International Commemoration at the Monument of Tolerance takes place annually on the Thursday closest to November 16, the day marking the WWII liberation of the Leudal region.
Unveiled on March 8, 2001, the Monument of Tolerance honours the Allied service personnel who lost their lives during the Second World War, particularly the 687 soldiers from 11 different nations (Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who died in the Leudal area.
The monument features a bronze half arch on an equilateral triangle, symbolising the Divine. Sculpted gulls represent freedom, while a sword with a laurel wreath and clasped hands symbolise the sacrifice of battle and the enduring brotherhood of those who fell. Designed by John Wagemans, the monument’s base is surrounded by boulders from the Maas River, each one representing a soldier who was killed in action. Eleven red beams in the pavement honour the nations involved, and the inscription on the monument reads: History is the Tutor of Life.
