A huge Dutch flag is on the Parade in Den Bosch on Wednesday. The flag consists of 4500 pieces of fabric and is a reminder of the liberation eighty years ago and a protest against political parties that ‘not’ using the flag ‘. “The Dutch flag is for all people who live here, regardless of background or culture,” says the initiator.
Initiator Marianne van Heeswijk is on the flag of 45 by 30 meters. “Hundreds of Dutch people have crocheted, knitted and woven. It has become a unique symbol of unity and humanity.”
Three hundred pieces
“Together we form a colorful Netherlands,” Marianne continues. “The Dutch flag must become of all of us and not from certain political groups. Everyone must feel welcome here.” The Dutch flag symbolizes that, says the initiator. “Whether you have fled or liberated, young or old, it doesn’t matter. The Dutch flag is for everyone who lives in the Netherlands.”
Wilma van Ruloo and sister -in -law Nellie can agree with that message. Together they have returned more than three hundred pieces of cool. “I belonged to Graat and De Laat on Omroep Brabant Radio about this project,” says Wilma enthusiastically. “I immediately liked that because I like to crochet and knit.”
“This does a lot to me, it makes me emotional,” says Nellie, looking at the huge flag. “It gives a special feeling.”
Pink instead of red
There is one downside, the huge flag does not go up. “Our flag is too heavy for hoisting. It would be nice if he could flutter somewhere, but he was waving in our thoughts,” continues Marianne. The pieces of fabric are therefore not stuck together. “They are rags of two by two meters. After this we will make blankets of it and we will give them to people who actually need warmth.”
Oh yes, and those who look closely will see that the red is not completely red. “Occasionally there is a piece of pink fabric. We would like to keep seeing the world through pink glasses,” says Marianne with a smile.
