The sign had been there for a week or two, but since Monday afternoon the wildlife viaduct over the A50 near Uden has been officially named after First Class soldier Azdin Chadli. Azdin was killed by a rocket hit in Afghanistan in 2009. The bridge was officially named on Monday with a ceremony in the town hall in Uden.
“Fourteen years ago, my brother left for Afghanistan with his colleagues, friends and second family. To a place of suffering and injustice. He went to do the right thing.” This is what Mounir tells about his deceased brother Azdin Chadli. He does this during the ceremony where the wildlife viaduct near Uden is named after Azdin.
Azdin Chadli was twenty years old when he was deployed to Afghanistan. It was his first broadcast. On April 6, 2009, Camp Holland in Tarin Kowt was hit by a rocket attack.
“My brother is being honored in his own hometown.”
After the hot meal, Azdin walks back to his sleeping place with a number of group members. At that moment the camp is fired upon by rockets. One rocket lands where Azdin walks. Azdin dies. Five of his colleagues are injured. On April 11, 2009, Azdin was buried in Uden amid great interest. Now he has been honored.
“We think it is special that attention is being paid to Azdin in this way,” says Mounir. “That my brother is honored in his own hometown. The wildlife viaduct is a symbol of the outdoors. We hope that his name will not be forgotten.”
“His name will live on forever.”
According to acting mayor Rianne Donders, it was only logical to name a wildlife viaduct after Azdin. “Azdin was adventurous, sporty and fair. He was an outdoorsy child and nature lover.”
Marijn Verbaant was the battalion adjutant at the time. He still has regular contact with Azdin’s family. He speaks on behalf of mother Anita and Azdin Mounir’s brother. “For Azdin’s family, this is a visible recognition and appreciation,” he says. “So we don’t forget Azdin. His name will always live on.”
The tribute is an initiative of the 75 Years of Freedom Coordination Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Veterans Platform. They name bridges and viaducts throughout the country after soldiers who died during peace missions. There are a total of 6 viaducts in Brabant that bear the name of a deceased soldier.
In Brabant, more viaducts have been named after deceased soldiers:
Renée unveils nameplate for her brother Tom who died in Afghanistan
In Tilburg and Veghel, viaducts were also given the names of deceased soldiers