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Published on: 7/29/2008
Last Visited: 7/29/2008
After attendees seated themselves, the Master of Ceremony Cees Baas started the event by introducing the Consul General Johan Kramer, who officially welcomed all guests.Johan Kramer mentioned that the 600 participants were far beyond expectations. The Pensioen- en Uitkeringsraad program and his visits to veteran activities and other war events, taught Johan Kramer that there was an enormous need for recognition and contact with other war survivors.He indicated that he was very happy with the support he got from the Netherlands, not only from ministries but also from organizations like Nationaal Fonds Voor Vrijheid en Veteranenzorg (V-fonds), and Stichting Pelita who financed the event.That all groups of war survivors were present was unique and allowed a plethora of stories to be told.It also became clear to Johan Kramer, that the participants really wanted to remember the war days together.He regarded the fact that they came with such huge numbers as recognition of the initiative taken by the consulate and he was very thankful for that.He stimulated the participants who feel a need, to write down their personal war experience.As a memory of this event the consulate in collaboration with the Ministry of VWS will make a book for all the participants with a collage of personal war stories and the highlights of this conference.He finished by thanking the organisers but also the many volunteers.
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Consul General Johan Kramer opened the lunch buffet rijsttafel en kosher buffet under big applause.
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Closing remarks were given by Consul General Johan Kramer, thanking all the volunteers and organisers again and especially Sabira Tejani, National Coordinator War Pensions, without her efforts and capabilities this event could have never taken place.
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Johan Kramer thanked everybody for their attendance and wished them a save journey home.
When the Van Weerdenburg Trio started with their Dixieland music, Johan Kramer and Sabira Tejani opened the dance-floor followed by many others and so our cocktail party started and a memorable day came gradually to an end.