On Monday 2 November, Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium in Driehuis organised a special commemorative evening at the memorial park. During this evening, when everyone commemorated their loved ones, the monumental park was lit up with atmospheric lighting. There was music in various places throughout the park and visitors planted flower bulbs in memory of their loved ones. Children stuck special stickers on candles and poems were displayed along the illuminated walking route. There was a special wall of flowers too and the visitors (more than 3,500) could light candles and place them on the special ‘candle steps’. Because of the unique nature of the event, KRO-NCRV decided – as last year – to broadcast the event live from Westerveld.
Commemorating together
“We’ve noticed a growing demand for commemorating together”, says Carla Bosua, Director of Westerveld. “People find solace in reminiscing together and they notice they are not alone in this. United, yet very intimate. That’s why we organised a commemorative evening this year too, giving everyone the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one.”
Because of the unique nature of the memorial park, KRO-NCRV had decided to broadcast the event live from Westerveld. Commemoration was the theme of the ‘Voor wie steek jij een kaarsje op?’ show, presented by Anita Witzier. Stories were told about loved ones. In the enclosed garden of the crematorium, famous Dutch artists such as Mathilde Santing and Xander de Buisonjé sang comforting songs.