Christmas Eve, lights on war graves in Overloon overwhelming tribute

December 24th, 15:00 – people are coming and going at the English cemetery in Overloon, all in preparation of the memorial service taking place that afternoon.
Whilst the veterans from the Boxmeer area are lighting the candles, the first visitors are already walking around at the cemetery. The members of our Overloon War Chronicles foundation and other volunteers are finishing up the preparations.

16:00 – accompanied by Christmas songs and beautiful musical pieces by the ensemble ‘de Vriendenkring’, candles were placed in front of the graves of the fallen to be remembered with honour.
All attendees of the service shared compelling stories, about the past, present and the future. The event was an extraordinary tribute to the families of the fallen and to all the people who have lived through the hardships of the Second World War. Above all, it was an homage to all the selfless heroes who fought for our freedom.

Through placing the candles at the graves, the attendees show their deepest gratitude and respect for the heroes who did not survive the battle.

A special poem was read to the audience by the Chairman of the Overloon War Chronicles Foundation, Leo Janssen:

My brief sweet life is over
My eyes no longer see
No Christmas trees
No summer walks
No pretty girls for me
I’ve had the chop, I’ve had it
My nightly Ops are done
Yet in another hundred years
I’ll still be twenty one

Poem written by R.W. Gilbert to Sgt A.E. Roberts
Lest we forget

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