Do you commemorate May 14?

The bombing in which Rotterdam lost its heart is the occasion for an annual commemoration. Every year, the May 14 Commemoration Committee organizes a special commemorative program that does justice to the many stories of Rotterdammers. And their connection to the present, past, and future. In 2025, it will be 85 years since the bombing of Rotterdam took place. This special commemorative year is dedicated to 'The Face of Memory'. Will you be in Rotterdam on May 14?

The destroyed city

The Destroyed City is a sculpture created by Ossip Zadkine in response to the bombing of Rotterdam. It was unveiled on May 15, 1953, and stands on Plein 1940, on the Leuvehaven, next to the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam. The sculpture is a national monument.

Reportedly, Zadkine was inspired to create The Destroyed City while traveling from Paris to visit his friend, the physician Hendrik Wiegersma, in Deurne, the Netherlands. As the train passed over the elevated railway through Rotterdam, he saw the wiped-out city center. The statue is made of bronze and depicts a human figure without a heart, symbolizing the heart of Rotterdam that was lost in the fire that broke out after the bombing of the Maas bridges, where the Dutch marines held back the German attackers. Rotterdam received the statue as a gift from the management of the department store De Bijenkorf. One of the conditions of the donation was that the statue would remain in that specific location.

The statue aims to commemorate the destruction of the city by the Germans. The artist himself said the following about the sculpture: “The [sculpture] aims to embody the human suffering that a city had to endure which, only by God’s grace, wanted to live and flourish like a forest. A cry of horror at the inhuman cruelty of this executioner’s work.”  For the construction of a new metro curve, the sculpture was permanently moved 60 meters in 1975. In 2005, the statue had to be temporarily set aside due to construction work. The opportunity was used to carry out major maintenance. A restoration workshop was set up on site for this purpose. On May 14, 2007, Mayor Opstelten returned 'The Destroyed City' to its prominent place on Plein 1940. German President Horst Köhler laid a wreath there during his state visit to the Netherlands in October 2007, as many before him had done. Over the years, the statue has acquired a string of nicknames from the people of Rotterdam. Besides 'The Destroyed City', the statue is known as 'City Without a Heart', 'Zadkini', 'Jan Gat', 'Jan with the Little Hands', and 'Jan with the Little Hands'.  

Southern Church

The Zuiderkerk was a Reformed church from 1849 located on the Gedempte Glashaven in Rotterdam. The building was destroyed at the beginning of the Second World War, during the bombing of Rotterdam on May 14, 1940.

Between the Gedempte Glashaven and the former Jufferstraat, where the Rederijhaven is now located, stood a church of the same name. This building, constructed as a theatre in 1630, had fallen into disrepair and was demolished in 1844 to make way for the construction of the new church.

Following a competition, the design by the then 29-year-old architect AW van Dam was accepted. J. van Limburgh, a master carpenter, executed it for 312.416 guilders. The total construction costs amounted to over 500.000 guilders. Minister Dr. H. Oort solemnly inaugurated the church on April 22, 1849. 

The Zuiderkerk had an octagonal ground plan, with chapels on all four sides. The roof was an eight-sided pyramid, intersected by the four ridges of the chapels. An octagonal tower and spire crowned the roof. Windows and doors were pointed arches. In 1850, the organ, built by the firm J. Bätz & Co., organ builders in Utrecht, was consecrated by Reverend Blaauw and put into use by J.B. Spoelder, the organist of the Zuiderkerk, and Bartholomeus Tours, organist of the Grote Kerk. Between 1925 and 1939, Marius Richters created stained glass windows for the church.

(The double photo of the Zuiderkerk provides an image of the church before and after the bombing and the fire caused by 90 German bombers, in which approximately 800 people lost their lives. More than 24.000 homes were destroyed, causing 80.000 Rotterdammers to lose their houses and possessions. The Netherlands capitulated following this brutal display of superior force. In an atmospheric and evocative manner, with gunpowder smoke still in the air, the ruined church symbolizes the devastated Rotterdam city center. Source: Bate's previous blog.) The bombing of Rotterdam in 1940 destroyed the Zuiderkerk; the church was not rebuilt. In 1960, the Reformed congregation began using the Pauluskerk on Mauritsweg, as a replacement for the Zuiderkerk and the Westerkerk, which had also been destroyed by the bombing.  

Laurenskerk

The Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk, often simply called Laurenskerk, is a Gothic church building in Rotterdam. It is the only remaining vestige of the medieval Rotterdam city center. The current church is a hybrid between a hall church and a cruciform basilica. In one of the exhibition chapels, a knob capital from its predecessor, a two-aisled hall church without a choir and tower, is still present. The church is dedicated to Lawrence of Rome, the patron saint of Rotterdam.

During the bombing of Rotterdam on May 14, 1940, the Laurenskerk was also severely damaged. Due to the burning surroundings, the tower, which was surrounded by wooden scaffolding, caught fire, and the flames subsequently spread to the church, which burned down completely except for the outer walls. Initially, there were calls to demolish the church, but this was forbidden by Hitler: the church was placed “under artistic protection by order of the Führer”. Within the provisional Reich Commission for Monument Conservation, there were also proponents and opponents of restoration. Commission member and architect JJP Oud, in particular, opposed rebuilding and publicized an alternative plan in 1950 in which only the tower would be preserved as a memorial. A new, smaller church would be built behind it, with a pond in between. This alternative plan was set aside, primarily because the Laurenskerk was seen too strongly as a symbol of the Rotterdam community. In 1952, Queen Juliana laid the foundation stone for the restoration, which was not completed until 1968.

As you climb the 63-meter-high tower of the Laurenskerk, you will encounter a tower guide who can tell you more about the fascinating history of this iconic building. During the climb, you will pass the famous carillon from the Hemony bell foundry, dating back to the 17th century, and the impressive playing drum that automatically controls the bells. At the top, after more than 300 steps, a breathtaking view of the city awaits. Inside the Laurenskerk itself, also known as the Grote or Sint Laurenskerk, you will discover the only medieval building that partially survived the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. This makes the church a powerful symbol of the resilience of the city and its inhabitants. The classical design of the Laurenskerk stands in striking contrast to the modern architecture of the surrounding area. Upon entering, the bronze doors, designed by the Italian artist Giacomo Manzù, immediately catch the eye. The panels of these “War and Peace” doors depict both the horrors of war and the joy of peace. Other historical treasures can be admired in the church, such as the 18th-century copper choir screen, the baptismal font by sculptor Hans Petri, historic 17th-century funerary monuments, and the narrative exhibition in the many chapels. Additionally, the Laurenskerk houses three Marcussen organs, including the largest organ in the Netherlands, a remarkable instrument that forms part of the church's rich musical history. A visit to the Laurenskerk offers a unique glimpse into the past and present of Rotterdam.  

Corps Mariners

What is the Marine Corps? Amphibious and special operations. That is the primary work of the Marines. It means that maritime light infantry units can operate at sea, on land, and at the border between them. From warfare and humanitarian aid to covert reconnaissance and counter-terrorism. The corps also distinguishes itself through its expertise in river delta warfare and warfare under Arctic, mountainous, and desert conditions.   Amphibious operations and inland Marines execute a mission under the most severe conditions, in a short time, and with limited resources. In total, the Marine Corps numbers approximately 2.300 men who are always ready to protect Dutch interests anywhere in the world. This is reflected in the centuries-old motto. Where the World Is OpenAs wide as the world extends.

  Origin The Marine Corps traces its origins to the Golden Age, roughly the 17th century. The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands experienced a flourishing period in fields such as science, art, and trade. However, global trade constantly brought the Republic into conflict with the great powers of England and Spain.   Soldiers with sea legs The importance of global trade created the need for global defense. Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt and Admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter recognized the benefit of a permanent group of 'soldiers with sea legs', instead of the land soldiers who were dispersed across the fleet in specific situations. This insight led to the establishment of a regiment of marines on December 10, 1665, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Willem Joseph Baron van Ghent. The Marine Corps is descended from this regiment led by Van Ghent. The corps' area of ​​operation was initially primarily in the navy, but later also in the colonies.   Nowadays The deployment of the Marines nowadays ranges from warfare and training to (natural) disaster relief and humanitarian aid. One moment a Marine is fighting, and shortly afterwards he is providing assistance, maintaining order, or training foreign troops. This requires the ability to quickly switch between the roles of combatant, trainer, law enforcement officer, and aid worker.   Collaboration The Marine Corps is inextricably linked to the Royal Netherlands Navy. It also collaborates with civilian and military partners at home and abroad. Since 1973, the marines have been embedded in the United Kingdom-Netherlands Landing Force (UK/NL Landing Force). In this amphibious unit, the Marine Corps works closely with the British Royal Marines. The unit is part of the Joint Expeditionary Forces. Through this, England and the Netherlands, among others, make a joint contribution to the NATO 'rapid reaction force' currently being established. In the Netherlands, marines are part of the system of special units to protect the Netherlands against terrorism. Within the Special Intervention Service (DSI), for example, they work closely with the police and the Marechaussee.  

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85 years after the bombing of Rotterdam: https://herdenkjij14mei.nl/ 85 years of the May Days of 1940: https://www.mariniersmuseum.nl/nl/zien-en-doen/tentoonstellingen/meidagen-1940/ Museum Rotterdam '40 -'45 NOW: https://museumrotterdam.nl/tentoonstellingen/museum-rotterdam-40-45-nu Everything about the Marine Corps: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korps_Mariniers Laurenskerk: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/ Previous World War II blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/tweede-wereldoorlog/