According to the mayor of Maastricht, the Brothers in Arms have indeed been given a chance to participate in the festivities surrounding King’s Day. The brothers in turn say they have not heard anything about this from the organization.
The Brothers in Arms have been running a flag procession on King’s Day for years. They also wanted to do that this year now that the Royal family is visiting their city. But because they had not registered with the organization, they are not part of the program. They themselves assumed that they would be asked.
Also read: Brothers in arms not asked for King’s Day: ‘I’m sorry’
Turned down
Subsequently, they shared their disappointment in a letter to the organization; the Orange Committee. According to mayor Pennte Strake of Maastricht, he came up with a solution. “We are still looking for a place to put them down, but not with the guarantee that the Royal family will come and shake their hand. I understand that they did not want that.”
Wrong adress
But the Brothers in Arms knew nothing about this at all, says Frans Purschel, chairman of the Brothers in Arms in Maastricht. “We have never refused anything. That letter was not sent to us, but to the Maestrichtsche DienstDoende Stadsvisserij. I think by accident. We found out afterwards. The Brothers in Arms were mentioned in the letter.”
Free space
Purschel regrets the turn of events. He hopes that a spot can still be made available in the tight planning of the holiday.
Brothers in Arms Association
The Bond van Wapenbroeders is the oldest national association of veterans and active serving soldiers of the Dutch armed forces. “We are present on all important days. The group is getting older and smaller. Now that the royal family is in Maastricht, we are not invited. They have been looking forward to it for years,” says Purschel.