Memorial ‘Valued Freedom’ Grathem

The monument, made of Corten steel, depicts the silhouette of a British soldier from World War II. He steps out of the frame, as it were, symbolising the comfort zone. You can take a neutral stance in a conflict such as war, terror or occupation, look the other way or retreat. The soldier chooses to fight for freedom and justice.

Around it are 16 poppies. This poppy as a symbol goes back to the First World War poem ‘In Flanders Field’ by the Canadian military doctor and poet John McCrae, in which the blooming poppies (In Flanders fields the poppies blow) contrast with the countless tombstones among which these innocent flowers bloom. It is the flower worn by the British on November 11. The day they commemorate the victims of the First and Second World Wars, but also of all conflicts since then.

The number 16 refers to the date of liberation, 16 November 1944. Also, the number also symbolises the 16 church villages that make up the municipality of Leudal. These ceramic poppies were made by pupils of the upper secondary school De Klink.

The monument was unveiled on 16 November 2024 to commemorate 80 years of liberation.

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