21. May 2024
Europe/EDI
Hundreds of guests celebrate cross-border freedom meal
For the second time, a German-Dutch organisation team prepared the so-called Freedom Meal . On 5 May 2024 from 10 am to 3.30 pm, guests were able to spend the Sunday with neighbours, old and new friends on the Prins Clausplein in Dinxperlo and talk about peace and freedom.
Due to the high number of visitors last year, the Dutch "Comité 4 5 mei" became aware of the cross-border freedom meal in Dinxperlo. Therefore, this time it was not only the Mayor of Aalten Stapelkamp, Deputy Mayor Kerstin Erkens and Chairwoman of the Freedom Meal project group Marijke Verschoor-Boele who welcomed the guests. In addition, the ambassador of the Comite 4 5 mei and TV chef Nadia Zerouali gave a welcoming speech. Nadia Zerouali provided the recipe for the so-called Freedom Soup in 2022.
In the Netherlands, the dead of the Second World War are commemorated every year on 4 May and peace and freedom on 5 May. In his welcoming address, Mayor Anton Stapelkamp emphasised the importance of the good relations between the Gemeente Aalten and the city of Bocholt. He even held out the prospect of inviting the Mayor of Bocholt, Thomas Kerkhoff, to the Day of Remembrance of the Dead on 4 May in 2025. It is important to emphasise reconciliation these days, he said.
In her welcoming address, Bocholt's deputy mayor Kerstin Erkens referred to 5 May 1949 as the founding day of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe has been committed to democracy and human rights since its foundation. The Deputy Mayor pointed out that the people of Europe should definitely cast their vote in the European elections in order to be able to continue living in a free and democratic Europe.
Numerous volunteers from the organisation team ensured that everything ran smoothly so that the more than 350 visitors could quickly receive their food. There was a soup that had been specially created for the day as well as sandwiches and non-alcoholic drinks. At the tables, people spoke in Dutch and German about peace and freedom and much more.
Sponsors
The event was made possible by the INTERREG programme Germany-Nederland and its programme partners and co-financed by the European Union.
"This was the second cross-border Freedom Meal that we organised in a German-Dutch team with a lot of fun. Once again, Europe on a small scale has worked brilliantly in the region", said a delighted Sonja Wießmeier from EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt. The organisation team is planning the third cross-border Freedom Meal in 2025.
About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt
EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is part of the Mayor's Office of the City of Bocholt and is the local contact point for questions relating to the European Union. Its task is to provide local citizens with information, advice, help and answers to questions about Europe. In addition, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt aims to promote European involvement and provide information on current European political events.