The event ‘Weekend at War’, which commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands in World War II with old war material and actors, is canceled this year because of the war in Ukraine.
This was announced by the South Limburg Stoomtrein Maatschappij Foundation, which manages the Miljoenenlijn, on Thursday. The decision was made in consultation with the participants.
Inappropriate
‘Weekend at War’ is an educational event that was to be held on July 2 and 3. “Like everyone else, we are shocked and saddened by the atrocities taking place in Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion. We believe that it is inappropriate at this time to celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands while war has broken out elsewhere in Europe.” , writes the administrator of the Miljoenenlijn.
Ukrainian refugees
What would make it even more painful is the fact that Ukrainian refugees are currently being accommodated in the holiday park next to Simpelveld Station. “It cannot be that in their quest for safety and tranquility they come face to face with actors and military vehicles,” concludes the Weekend at War organization.
Move to 2023
In 2020 and 2021, the planned editions of Weekend at War were also canceled due to the outbreak of the corona pandemic. The event is now scheduled for next year around July 1 and 2. People who have already bought a ticket for 2022 can use it in a year.
This means that not all activities of the Miljoenenlijn have been discontinued. The usual steam train rides through the South Limburg Heuvelland will start on Sunday 17 April.
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