The Slag op de Zuiderzee foundation apologizes for the removal of the coat of arms from the village of Marken. That happened earlier this week, after several people complained about the image on the shield. The removal led to much anger and disbelief among the inhabitants of Marken. After questions from NH, the foundation announces that the coat of arms will return to the streets in an adapted manner.
Marken’s coat of arms was hung in the center of Monnickendam on the occasion of the celebration of 450 years of the Battle of the Zuiderzee. But the ‘moor head’ present on the weapon led to some angry comments on social media. Some people also complained the municipality of Waterland.
Stichting Slag op de Zuiderzee, as organizer of the program, decided to intervene and quickly removed the shields in question and exchanged them for the local flag of Marken.
Anger and disbelief
But soon the removal of the coat of arms sparked anger and disbelief from Markers. The inhabitants have been calling their coat of arms ‘the moraine head’ for centuries and understand nothing of the decision. The inhabitants of Marken feel misunderstood, because they have long seen this symbol as their weapon.
“Some may have found the weapon too confrontational,” says Tineke Steur of the foundation. And that shouldn’t be the intention, she says. “We want a joint party. For everything and everyone, this is a celebration of togetherness and tolerance.”
Battle of the Zuiderzee
This year it is exactly 450 years ago that the Battle of the Zuiderzee took place. This is used to celebrate in Monnickendam. Various events will take place from next Thursday (July 6), including the reenactment of the battle on July 15. The battle is also considered on weekends. The official closing will take place on 10 October.
The foundation is now tacking and saying sorry for the removal. “There was no proper consultation with the residents of Marken about this decision,” says Steur. “Apologies to all of them. It was never the intention to ignore the feelings of the inhabitants.
Amendment
And that’s why the shields are coming back. But in an adapted form, says Steur. “We want to meet everyone’s satisfaction. We don’t want to hurt people, but we don’t want to shortchange them either.”
“We don’t want to hurt people, but we don’t want to shortchange people either”
“The signs are made again, sprayed and then come back in a modified form.” The foundation also says that a message will be posted at the bottom of the signs with more context, such as which city or village it represents.
In what form the signs are nailed back, is not known to Steur. This takes place in consultation with the council of Marken. It is also unknown how quickly they will be returned, but the foundation is doing everything it can to get this done quickly, so that the party is complete again for everyone.
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