114 people from Drenthe received a ribbon today for their services to society. From today on, the vast majority of them can call themselves Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau, but some of their fellow provinces have also been distinguished as Knights or even Officers in the same order. Jacob de Haan (65), professor of political economy at the University of Groningen, received the highest honor. He has been appointed Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
In a packed council chamber at the Assen town hall, eight residents received a ribbon. They were all lured in by friends and family with an excuse. Some already had a strong suspicion before arrival, others reacted completely surprised to the red carpet and the reception of Mayor Marco Out.
Completely overwhelmed, Marten Mulder (82) steps over the threshold of the town hall. He came to brainstorm with the National Committee 4 and 5 May about making cemeteries accessible. At least he thought. Mulder is an expert in the field of grave poetry and received his ribbon for his many years of commitment to the preservation, restoration and documentation of grave monuments and cemeteries.
“I am speechless and that is special as a pastor,” Mulder says with a laugh after pinning on his ribbon. “This is really a great honor.” However, he spent a long time preparing a plan for the cemeteries, which subsequently turned out to be unnecessary. “We’re going to come up with something about that,” promises Mayor Out, who suggests doing something with Mulder’s hard work.
Just after Mulder it is the turn of Nicolai Romashuk (73), who can now call himself a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. All his life he represented the interests of Armenian Dutch people and fought for recognition and memory of the Armenian genocide. “Really a very special surprise,” says Romashuk. “This makes me stronger to continue serving society.”
Last in Assen, Professor De Haan receives his ribbon from Mayor Out. He may wear on his chest not only a degree, but a complete order higher than the other decorated ones. An appointment to the Order of the Netherlands Lion is mainly for people who have made an exceptional contribution to the arts or science.
De Haan feels a little uncomfortable about receiving this high honor, which he partly deserves because of his research that has contributed to national and international monetary policy and a better understanding of economic processes. “One of my objections to the ribbon system is that people who really deserve it get a so-called lower ribbon than people like me, who just do their job. I actually think that is wrong,” says De Haan.
Despite the criticism of awarding ribbons, De Haan is proud of his award. “I see it as an appreciation for the work I’ve done all these years, so I’m very happy with it.”
After the Asser professor, the highest award went to Frederik Spijkervet, resident of Roden and now Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau. He received this ribbon for his scientific work and expertise in the field of oral cancer and Sjögren’s disease. In daily life he was professor of Oral Diseases and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Groningen.
As Mayor Klaas Smid of Noordenveld pins on his ribbon, tears carefully appear in his eyes. “It makes me emotional,” says Spijkervet. “I still have to process it a bit, but it feels very special that after all the work and energy you have always put into it, you are appreciated in this way.”
