For centuries, forts, bunkers, fortifications, and lines ensured the defense of our country. Together, they form the defense heritage of the Netherlands. On April 20 and 21, 2024, hundreds of fascinating structures will be opened to the public. A brand-new event! From Den Helder to Maastricht...
You are now reading my 500th blog. But what is the theme for the anniversary blog this time? Is it an evaluation of the themes I have covered so far? Or have I ranked my Top 10 best blogs...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Finland on May 3, 2023. He is attending an unannounced meeting of Northern European leaders there regarding the war in Ukraine. Among others, he speaks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto about...
Finally, it is the House of Representatives' turn. On day 36 (March 31, 2022) of the war with Russia, President Zelensky delivered a speech to the Dutch parliament. An impressive speech with references to our nation's past. After...
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, placing the two countries at war with each other. A clear example of cross-border behavior by President Putin. The actors in this war will be discussed in a number of blogs. Ukraine is...
It is a worrying situation in Ukraine. Two oblasts (provinces), Donetsk and Luhansk, each declared their independent People's Republic in May 2014. These two People's Republics are now recognized by Russia. Putin has since launched a military 'peace mission' to these two pro-Russian...
When you read about North Korea, you are mainly talking about military news and the verbal battle between the United States and North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea = DPRK). Do we know how the inhabitants of the country live without democracy?...
The Nijmegen Four Days Marches is an event that always gets me excited. Because we lived south of Nijmegen for years, in Malden, where the army of walkers passes by on the last day on their way to the 'Via Gladiola'. I was...
It was in the middle of the First World War that Mr. Ruys de Perez from Bloemendaal wrote a letter to Harmer, Rooke and Co in London. The registered letter was sent on January 28, 1916. The firm held stamp auctions in Fleet...
On November 30, 1938, the city post agency on Beijerlandschestraat in Schiedam, which had existed since February 16, 1931, was closed. A new post agency was opened on Wilhelminaplein on December 1, 1938. On December 1, 1938, the postal agent was given the...
According to the dictionary, internment is the deprivation of liberty on grounds of public interest and/or general or special security. Internment is usually applied in wartime, when soldiers cross the borders of a neutral power or unintentionally enter neutral territory...
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