August 15th is the annual commemoration of the end of WWII in the former Dutch East Indies. An event in which we honor those who suffered and sacrificed their lives.
The Indo Project is proud to be present at major events held in The Netherlands representing all the Indos worldwide who were deeply affected by this war. We share these events with you below.
Commemoration at Nationale Indië Herdenking – Palace at de Dam, Amsterdam
Commemoration at Nationale Indië Herdenking – Indisch Monument, Den Haag
Commemorations in Arnhem, Netherlands
As a board member of The Indo Project, Josina Hillsland accompanied our chairman Priscilla McMullen to Sawah Belanda Arnhem to lay flowers at the monument for the commemoration of all war victims in the Dutch East Indies. This commemoration was a celebration with music, dance, an interview with Priscilla and a lecture by Marion Bloem.
Commemorations in the United States
The Socal Herdenking Committee “August 15, 1945” laid the last wreath as a committee on August 12, 2022, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery at the Indo Memorial Monument. Committee members in attendance were: Emy van Lommel, Bert Been, Ingrid Smith, Theo Engelbert, Ivonne Gerrits, Auke & Greet Mensink (retired President), Regina Poepaart & Marsha, An & Linda Schoew, and Hank & Sandra Ly (President).
Inscription on the Indo Memorial Monument reads: “De Geest Overwint”… in dedication to the memory of the members of the Armed Forces, resistance fighters, and civilians who lost their lives in The Netherlands and East Indies and areas of Southeast Asia during World War II. MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
In commemoration of the SoCal annual event at the L.A. National cemetery for the Herdenking Augustus 15, 1945 memorial, below was the lastest event held honoring those that have lost their lives in the Dutch East Indies. This SoCal event was last held and recorded in 2019 but due to COVID-19, the Herdenking group had to cancel large group events. Please watch and remember why we commemorate this date of Herdenking
R.Andrew Smith
You are corrrect in catching the typographical error the word stating “lastest” should have been “latest”. But in the beginning of the Socal event listed, stating “The Socal Herdenking Committee “August 15, 1945” laid the last wreath as a committee on August 12, 2022, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery at the Indo Memorial Monument” was meaning that this Committee group was laying the wreath for the last time as this group. Anyone wanting to help resurrect “The Herdenking” ceremony annually at this cemetery is welcome to let us know your thoughts on volunteering and plans on holding this event to draw guests out at any age. Please address them to: maureen.deschepper@theindoproject.org Thank you.
In reading the subscripts of the pictures taken at the SoCal annual event at the L.A. National cemetery, the texts posted read ” … below was the LAST event …” Recommend that the wording reads “LATEST,” as more like-events certainly and hopefully will be forthcoming. This is not a gripe, just trying to make your newsletter better. Yes, a reply would be welcome.
Thank you.
R. A. Smith