The Netherlands, Oosterbeek – “How wonderful to do this.” and “How nice to be here.” just a few sentences last Christmas Eve of visitors to the Airborne cemetery who came in all serenity to put a candlelight on the war graves.
Cosy in two, with the whole family, a group of friends or with family from another part of the Netherlands because it is also so beautiful to show to others. We even saw a member of the London Taxi Charity, especially for this evening, he said. Several visitors spoke English, but German was also heard.
Over the past two years, thanks to the corona measures, the organisation had itself lit the candles at the Airborne cemetery. The foundation of Candlelights On War Graves Oosterbeek, as they officially called, was happy that they didn’t have to do this by themselves this year. Although done with all the love and their family (more was not allowed due to the restrictions) helped them every time, with all the people who also wanted to place a candle, it’s just the best!
Christmas Eve
From 16:00 to 19:00 people could come to place a light. Or actually two because per person two, already burning, candles were handed over to place. “We want to give people who come later the opportunity to place a candle.” That didn’t go smooth in previous years and later visitors, to their disappointment, could no longer place a light because all graves had already been provided.
“We noticed that a candlelight on the war graves on Christmas Eve is not only important for the veterans and their families, but also for the residents of our municipality and far beyond.”
That meant that they sometimes had to be equally strict when people wanted to place several lights. Not nice, but in retrospect, this year everyone who came to the cemetery between four and seven was able to place two candles and no one was left disappointed. The organisation, together with those who were still present at the end, ensured that there was a candle on the last graves untill all were lit.
The first candles by the mayors
Mayor Agnes Schaap came, with her family, and children’s mayor Thom Eerens, with his family, to place the first two candles at 16:00. If anyone thought it was important to be here, it’s mayor Schaap for sure.
After that, the visitors trickled in. The donation pot was put to good use; almost 290 euros were collected in cash! People could also 
donate via the bank and there was a QR code provided, this result is not yet known.
For those who also want to make a financial contribution: donations can be sent to IBAN: NL58 RABO 0347 978266 in the name of: Stichting COWGO (Candles On War Graves Oosterbeek), stating: Donation Candlelights on Wargraves
After cleaning up and extinguishing the braziers, the volunteers left the cemetery bathing in candlelight. The candles will continue to burn until Boxing Day. Tuesday, the so-called 3rd day of Christmas in The Netherlands, the candles are cleared away at 11:00 am. If you want to come and help, you are welcome. The municipality of Renkum provides wheelie bins and disposes of them later.
More photos
Click on the top photo for the photo series. Photos are from photographer Daan van Oort who was asked by the organization to take photos. On the Facebook page of Lights on War Graves Oosterbeek you can see more photos (even if you don’t have Facebook) of various visitors and photographers.
