Jetta Klijnsma was decorated by Minister of the Interior Frank Rijkaart (BBB) upon her retirement as King’s Commissioner. Klijnsma became an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau for her efforts for Drenthe and the whole of the Netherlands.
Persons who are appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau often have a national or even international image or significance due to their special merits. Rijkaart called Klijnsma, among other things, a ‘connector’ and a ‘fearless fighter’. “You have dedicated your life to public administration and serving society. You have built bridges and brought people together.”
Klijnsma had previously been decorated as a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. “I was a Knight, but I can’t ride a horse,” she responded jokingly. “I am very happy that that is no longer necessary. It is truly an honor.” She says she wants to continue to work for society.
In her speech of thanks, she dedicated the ribbon to her husband Ard van Rijn. “This ribbon is actually for two people. Because without Ard, none of this would have happened.”
Her sisters and parents were also mentioned. “Ard is my support, but my sisters have been with me my whole life. They ensured that their sister with those strange legs could simply live life. Just like my parents. If you were born in such a nest, that is a tremendous gift.”
Klijnsma said goodbye this afternoon in the Statenzaal of the provincial government building, a secret cultural program had been set up for her. Naturally, Klijnsma came, as she often does, by bicycle to the provincial government building, where the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso from Assen paid tribute to her.
Isa Zwart from Emmen also performed and sang, among other things, Klijnsma’s anthem in her unique way Sing, fight, cry, pray, work and admire by Ramses Shaffy and Daniël Lohues’ I’m getting out of here. The Dutch Don’t Dance Divison from The Hague performed a dance performance, her ‘own dance club’, because she is chairman of the board.
Vice-chairman Jan Brouwer (BBB) in the Provincial Council will take over Klijnsma’s work in PS until the new commissioner Agnes Mulder starts on January 1. Brouwer thanked Klijnsma for the way she led the State Meetings in recent years. “That was not always easy. Every now and then we as members of Parliament really went off the rails. And then you came with your soothing words.”
The entire administrative Drenthe, and also many northern and Hague colleagues such as Commissioner of the King of Limburg Emile Roemer, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerdi Verbeet and former mayor Jozias van Aartsen of The Hague, who was acting Commissioner of the King of Drenthe for Jetta for a year, were present during the commissioner’s farewell.
Klijnsma was honored for the bridge she managed to build between Drenthe and The Hague. “Thanks to you, The Hague came this way more often,” said deputy Gert-Jan Schuinder (BBB) in his speech. “Although for many the road from The Hague to Assen is longer than the other way around. Drenthe got more color in their cheeks, more self-confidence.”