A small gesture with great meaning
Sometimes it is the smallest wishes that leave the biggest impression. For example, the neighborhood director received a special request from a concerned neighbor, Mirella van Wijk: whether her 90-year-old neighbor, Tiny Droppert-Kranenburg, could raise the Dutch flag on May 5, together with the mayor. Not just any wish. This lady had experienced the war herself and raising the flag on Liberation Day was for her a symbol of freedom, remembrance and hope. Unfortunately, this was not possible at her home.
The district director did not leave it at that. Determined to make this wish come true, she started looking for opportunities. And with success. Thanks to the commitment of the municipality and the warm cooperation of nursing home De Rozentuin, a solution was found.
At 12:30 p.m. on May 5, Mrs. Droppert-Kranenburg, surrounded by her daughter, friends, neighbors and residents of the nursing home, stood at the flagpole of De Rozentuin. Before hoisting the flag, Mayor Michel Bezuijen gave a short speech about the value of freedom and the power of remembrance.
Together they then raised the flag. Then the national anthem was sung, with many in the audience softly singing along. It was a moment of solidarity, where everyone reflected on the past and celebrated today's freedom together.
For Mrs. Droppert-Kranenburg, it was an unforgettable moment. A tribute to the past, a celebration of the present and a memory she will carry with her forever.
