Discover Zoetermeer in wartime - on foot and by bicycle
In celebration of 80 years of freedom, Gilde Stadsgidsen Zoetermeer is organizing two special tours through the city: a city walk on Saturday, May 3, and a bicycle tour on Sunday, May 4. Both tours focus on Zoetermeer during the Second World War.
City walk "Zoetermeer in wartime" - Saturday, May 3
Accompanied by an experienced city guide, you will walk past historic locations that played an important role during the war. Along the way, you will hear fascinating and sometimes poignant stories from the war years in Zoetermeer.
Jolly Duck bike ride with Maarten Havinga - Sunday, May 4
On Sunday afternoon, Maarten Havinga will take you along places associated with the Jolly Duck, an American plane that made an emergency landing in Zoetermeer in February 1945. Maarten tells the extraordinary story of air gunner John McCormick and the tragic accident in which five people - including two children - died when the plane was shot down. We also visit the monument that commemorates this event.
Starting point and practical information
Both tours start at the Historical Society of Old Soetermeer (HGOS), Dorpsstraat 132. We will gather at 1:45 p.m. for a brief explanation. The walk and bike tour start at 2 p.m. and last about two hours. Tip: come a little earlier and visit the exhibition "80 years of liberation in color" in the HGOS.
Participation is free (with the exception of the boat rides).
Sign up at: www.gildezoetermeer.nl/gilde-stadsgidsen
Date: May 3 (city walk) and May 4 (bike ride)
Time: 1:45 p.m.
Location: HGOS, Dorpsstraat 132
Participation: free of charge