Veteranenmonument Hoorn
'LUGGAGE FOR LIFE' For killed soldiers and veterans of all Dutch missions. In this place we remember their commitment and sacrifices, Their visible and invisible injuries.
The idea for a monument comes originally from Indiëveteraan Johan Schaafsma who wanted to honor a group of killed soldiers from Hoorn. The then organizing committee for the local Veterans Day Veterans Day advised to set up a monument for all Dutch veterans and killed soldiers. With this, anyone who has something with them in Hoorn could find a memorial. As a result, a citizens' initiative was asked to the municipality to realize the Veterans Monument. The municipality has taken this very heartily and asked the Veterans Day organizing committee to realize the Veterans Memorial. As a result, the organizing committee was merged into the Veterans Hoorn foundation.
The Hoorn Veterans Memorial on the Oostereiland aims to bring veterans and citizens together. The artwork of Frank Halmans, which was unveiled on 22 June 2013, consists of eight benches with suitcases and duffel bags. It symbolizes: traveling, returning home and taking your experiences into your life.
Anyone who has something to do with veterans is welcome to remember at the Veterans Memorial or to have a conversation with others there.
It has since become clear that the Veterans Monument is a municipal monument but that it is of national significance. Veterans from all over the country meet at the monument. Moreover, they come into contact with 'citizens' who visit the monument. Many tourists and residents of our city walk up the square, read the names of missions on the benches and stop at the memorial plaque. The Veterans Monument is also included in the route of the Citytours train. There is a stop and explanation about the monument.