Brunssum, the Netherlands -On behalf of the Commander JFC Brunssum the Deputy Chief of Staff (Management), Air Commodore Andrew Huggett, attended the annual remembrance service at the Monument of Tolerance (Haelen) 15 November to pay tribute to those military personnel who lost their lives in the Leudal area during the period 1940-1945.

Also present were civil and military representatives from Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Slovak Republic, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Victims of the Holocaust and World War II Veterans were also in attendance. Moving speeches were articulated by: the Mayor of Leudal, Mr Verhoeven; the New Zealand Ambassador, Mrs Walker; and the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, Lieutenant General Beulen. On completion, wreaths were laid and a minute’s silence observed. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by over 700 personnel, from 11 nations and that, in the true spirit of tolerance, the memorial commemorates the loss of Austrian and German lives during the same period.

An international Platoon was provided by JFC Brunssum.

The Royal Dutch Air Force performed a fly-past during the ceremony.