The deceased, nine-year-old Gino van der Straeten was commemorated on Thursday evening in Maastricht. Hundreds, if not thousands, joined in a silent march past his house.
After the tour, just like in Kerkrade on Wednesday evening, a number of speeches were held.
Also read: Ten thousand people at the Gino memorial tour in Kerkrade
Depression
Gino’s sister, Naomi, was the first to speak. She again thanked everyone for all the support over the past week and emphasized how much loved her brother was. “The defeat is also very great in Maastricht. It is nice that many people sympathize with us and think of us in different ways. The sadness is enormous and is not getting any less. All the attention does us good and we want to thank everyone. is nice and good that a tour has been held here too.”
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‘This can never happen again’
Naomi concluded her speech as she did the night before. She hopes that politicians in The Hague will receive a signal that this should never happen again. “We want to thank everyone who has supported us. We will not get Gino back, but we do hope that the Netherlands has been shaken up and that lessons are learned. Because this should never happen again.”
‘Sorry’
Then the mayor of Maastricht, Annemarie Penn-te Strake, gave a speech. She said she would like to say sorry to Gino. “We are here because, I also speak for myself and all grownups, we have to say sorry to Gino. Sorry that so much brutal violence has been put on you and sorry that your life has come to such an unjust end. A child is vulnerable and has no power, and for that great men must stand up.”
She also emphasizes that people should support each other. “We must do everything we can to prevent it from happening again. Only if you experience these kinds of things together, then it is still somewhat doable. This is all we have: that is our being together.”
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Firework
Subsequently, an employee of the community center in Mariaberg was told that there are places available for discussion. “Also for all children and classmates, that is possible in the youth center.” Finally, dozens of balloons were released into the air and fireworks arrows were fired.
The family will soon say goodbye to Gino in a private and small circle.
Also read: Funeral Gino (9) in private
The very silent journey for Gino in Maastricht can be viewed here.