Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Netherlands regaining its freedom.
We remember people who fought for our freedom, soldiers, but also a lot of civilians who gave their lives in those 5 years. Because they stood for freedom, helped people in need or resisted the occupiers.
We celebrate not only the end of the war, but above all the freedom we got in return. Despite the hungerwinter, with it’s large shortages, our grandmothers and grandfathers contributed to a rapid rebuilding of our country.
And of course that wasn’t easy. But they succeeded building a new country. Especially the last few days, I realize that in many ways we face huge challenges again, with our freedom at stake.
The world is ruled by mad-men.
Our economy is taking a hard hit.
Chains that break down. Food shortages are looming. The earth itself is going down through pollution.
I hope that, as after 5 May 1945, we will also be able to make choices for a sustainable future. I’d like to be part of this. By speaking out, wherever I am and whatever I do. I’m a loner, but I don’t feel alone. I know a lot of people are in favour of change. I hope this group will speak out and will become bigger and more powerful.
I hope that we as the Netherlands, will understand that we can only maintain our freedom by working together.
I believe in Europe.
For me, a strong, honest democratic Europe, could make a real contribution to balance and change the world. All it takes is trust in each other, whether you’re Greek, Polish or Dutch.
How wonderful it would be if we could celebrate freedom with the whole of Europe on the 5 May next year, in 2021?
My idea is that everyone gets a seed from a tree and sends this to someone else in Europe. And than plant this together on one specific day.
The day of a new beginning, connected to each other. Building together a world with a future for next generations.
Living and working in freedom – a high good, perhaps the highest.
I wish you a lot of freedom for now and in the future.
John van Helden