The True Value of Rotary Fellowships
Through The International Hosting and Traveling Fellowship, Dave and Wendy, D5080 Rotarians from British Columbia, Canada, connected with REOW President Elly Scheepers and her husband Frank. Dave and Wendy spent some nights in Frank and Elly’s guest room. They toured the neighborhood, enjoyed each other's company, shared Rotary stories, and learned about cultural differences. New friendships were built.
Through The International Hosting and Traveling Fellowship, Dave, Wendy, D5080 Rotarians from British Columbia, Canada, connected with me and my husband Frank.
Dave and Wendy spent some nights in our guest room. We had breakfast and supper together and toured the neighborhood, enjoyed each other's company, and shared Rotary stories. We learned about cultural differences. New friendships were built.
We visited Oudenbosch, a village with a history of how different religious institutions developed a poor part of the Netherlands into an important place of education, business opportunities, wealth and contemplation. The center of the village with the Basilisk, Saint Louis, Santa Anna and Arboretum are impressive monuments of the history of 8 centuries.
We visited the Canadian Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom, a place where 1,118 young Canadian soldiers are buried. A fellow Rotarian, Simon guided us through the history and actuality of the cemetery.
Anno 2024 we realize that we should never forget how many young men from Canada came to liberate the Netherlands and lost their lives. That we need to continue to tell the stories of these soldiers. Still today the foundation Faces to Graves Bergen op Zoom is collecting pictures and stories from the buried soldiers.
Fall 2024 we will remember the liberation of the south of the Netherlands 80 years ago. If you want to join the activities please contact the volunteers at info@facestogravesbergenopzoom.nl or check out their website www.facestogravesbergenopzoom.nl.
Also look for the movie “De slag om de Schelde,” which tells the story about the liberation the South of the Netherlands.Here is the link to the trailer of the movie on You Tube: