Brunssum, Netherlands – An International Veterans Day was conducted in the town of Brunssum, Saturday 16 September. Commencing with a memorial service on the Lindeplein, amongst other things the programme comprised: a Veterans Parade through the town with a large number of organizations and military vehicles participating; a number of stalls selling military memorabilia; a range of attractions including body painting, a blacksmiths and an exhibit from Gaia Zoo that allowed those present to get close to some extremely large, but very beautiful, parrots.
At the memorial service, led by Mr Karel van Knippenberg, wreaths were laid in recognition of the sacrifice and ongoing contribution made by veterans of all nations to global peace and security by: Drs. Theo Bovens (Limburg Governor); the Deputy Mayor of Brunssum (Mr Haico Offermans); Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann (Chief of Staff JFC Brunssum); Brigadier General Henny Bouman (Assistant Chief of Staff (Logistics Branch) JFC Brunssum, on behalf of the Dutch community working at the NATO headquarters.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Veterans Foundation of Brunssum, ‘t Eldershoes Hoensbroek and the Netherlands Military Aviation Service. The ceremony incorporated a minutes’ silence, the last post, Netherlands national anthem and the Limburg anthem; music being provided by the band of Christian Harmony de Bazuin.
An outstanding event in every respect the day was a fitting tribute to veterans and its success, once again, attributable to the dedication and conscientious planning by Mrs Angela Lust and her team.
Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office