A memorial has been unveiled at the general cemetery of Castricum for children who were born still or lived only a very short time. The initiative comes from Elles Lips (73) from Castricum, who herself lost a son. “I now finally have a place where I can remember and mourn him, that is very special.”
Elles’ son died 43 years ago after living for three hours in the OLVG in Amsterdam. The way she had to say goodbye is still traumatic for her. “A Castricum undertaker came to pick him up in a small box and, much to our dismay, transported him in the trunk of his car.”
The child was eventually buried in a general municipal grave where several children could be laid. to remember him.”
More attention
Elles told the story to Miel van de Velde, the caretaker of the cemetery. He contacted the municipality and after two years there is now a monument. “I am proud that it worked out,” says Van de Velde, who believes that more attention should be paid to stillborn children or children who have only lived a very short time.
“Many people have lost a child. That used to be hidden away and it was not allowed to talk about it. Why? I think there is certainly a need for this. This monument is really an asset to our cemetery in that respect.”
According to Elles, the memorial site ‘The Never Forgotten Child’ is therefore intended for everyone. “However long it has been, it doesn’t matter, the loss remains. We hope that many parents can find comfort here.”
The memorial was unveiled on Monday afternoon by Elles Lippes and mayor Toon Mans van Castricum. View the images below.