About 60 military students from the Horizon College in Purmerend today marched for peace through the polder. At Oterleek (Monnickendam) they stopped at the war memorial in memory of a British pilot from World War II. Here they were also addressed by a veteran.
Marching war veterans – NH News
“The march is a good preparation for the veterans’ day, which is held on June 24,” says Bart van Gompel, sports teacher and former soldier. “The most important thing is that they learn that freedom cannot be taken for granted.” And that message is well received by Jaylienn van Gosen and Rens de Vries. “I want to help with peace and security for other people and my family,” says Jaylien, who dreamed of a military career since she was a little girl. “Back then it was the Marine Corps and now it’s the Army.”
Rens also wants to join the army and that is because of his father. “He always told nice stories about his service.” Stories mainly about the fun sides: the fun and the friendships. Of course Rens knows that there are also nasty sides. “Such a war now in Ukraine is of course very bad and sad for the population. And I hope I never have to go to war. But I mainly focus on the fun sides of being a soldier.”
Robert Mikhout is a veteran and has served on various missions, including in Iraq and Cambodia. He addresses the young people, tells them about his experiences and about the war memorial in Oterleek. William Alexander McVie was killed there in 1941 when the plane was shot down.
In addition to the lesson that freedom cannot be taken for granted, never giving up is also important. “If you just keep going, don’t stop and keep your goal in mind, you can achieve anything in the army. It doesn’t matter what color your beret is.”
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