A colleague and friend reflects on May 4th, 5th…

“After the substantial grip that Star-Wars took on this particular date, I wanted to share with you some personal reflections on May 4th, as long as I can remember.

So many lives lost about hate and the ultimate gift so many gave to free Europe from Hate-Nazi’s.

…….May 4th…………, in The Netherlands we remember all those who died during WW II. the day before liberation day ( May 5th, when we go all out to celebrate) , we ALL stop, stand still, reflect on the horrors of warfare, we remember families ripped apart, and we also honor and deeply experience the weight of all those who gave their life for our, (another and unknown human’s freedom.

So many young men and women, from our own and many more from foreign countries sacrificed, gave their lives to give us the freedom from the Nazi’s.

The Netherlands, the whole country is silent, a single bell sounds on the Waaldorpervlakte, in their honor, to not forget how much it took and the costs, to live in freedom and how easy and simple-minded hate is.

I translated a poem, and i’m not a poet, nor official translator, but it resonates deeply in me and shows how after 20 years away form my home town and culture, I still  carry the weight of the lives lost for our freedom, to fight evil and hate.

Poem, author unknown to me.

—Unknown Soldier—

Sent out, not knowing where to be gone,

You fought for our freedom

now here is your name in stone.

As you gave your life here on these the battle-ground for me, for us, for the Netherlands of inexpressible value…..unbound.

Your grave here in our Dutch soils and sands Your last resting place in this world unfamiliar soil on this earth You didn’t ask but you gave it all, the ultimate sacrifice.

Against our freedom was your life

For us the light, that brought you the cold night of death unkind No word will ever be enough For all that you left behind Your loved ones lost you much too soon So that we could live in peace On this day, May 4th, we all pay tribute and remember you in silence……..

honoring your life went by so swift

Your life given, we salute and honor your ultimate gift.”

AMEN AMEN.

Thanks to Johan S. for the reflection.