This past Tuesday and Wednesday, are very special days in the calendar here in the Netherlands, Remembrance Day (or Dodenherdenking in Dutch) - honoring the armed forces and Liberation Day, celebrating the end of the Second World War. In years gone by there have been ceremonies and celebrations attended by many to honor these special days, unfortunately in this time of COVID-19, the strict protocols must be followed and a more virtual celebration embraced. ASH plays an active role in supporting the Wassenaar community at this time, including laying wreath for the May 4 Remembrance virtual ceremony and usually we would have a physical delegation present. At the May 5 Peace Memorial, Mrs. Christopher, our middle school librarian usually takes students to attend, but this year had to represent ASH solo. 

Photo curtesy of wassenaarders.nl

With these more distant and virtual ceremonies and celebrations, it is heart-warming to see the learning going on about these days and the events in history that we remember always, but particularly at this time. Ms. Forde, our middle school EAL & English Essentials teacher shared that her, “eighth graders have been learning about WWII by reading the diary of Anne Frank, and listening to additional stories about the Dutch Occupation and Resistance during advisory. On a board in the eighth grade hallway, we have posted paper tulips, written by individual students about who they remember, who they thank for their freedom, and who they want to stand up for.”

Cora, a student in one of the classes, shared; “I think that we should remember all of the people that went through WWII, and be thankful for those who fought in the war and all of their sacrifices they made for our lives.”

A sentiment we should indeed all embrace and we honor the memory of that time.