WILLEMSTAD:--- The “Monument for the Fallen Antillean” on Adriaan Laclé Boulevard in Oranjestad is the permanent memorial location on Aruba. This monument was erected in memory of all Antilleans who were killed by acts of war during the Second World War. The plaque contains 129 names of fallen Antilleans during the Second World War. Also in Willemstad, Curaçao, and Kralendijk, Bonaire, there is a monument with the same plaque. A number of dignitaries were present at the ceremony, such as Governor Boekhoudt and (outgoing) Prime Minister Wever-Croes. Defense was allowed to lead the commemoration ceremony on Aruba. Lieutenant van Haaren: “It was an honor to be able to lead the commemoration ceremony in Aruba with the Marine Corps. It is good to see that, despite the restrictive COVID measures, the commemoration was allowed to take place on May 4 in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. ”
The detachment of St. Maarten has been asked to form a guard of honor at the Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg. Commander of the detachment, Major Noordam: “The commemoration went to all satisfaction. It was nice to see that the government has given appropriate attention to this. Certainly taking into account the difficult situation we are in at the moment.” In addition to Governor Holiday and Prime Minister Jacobs, the commemoration also included two guests of honor who personally experienced the effects of the Second World War.
On Curaçao, Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean, Brigadier General of the Marines Boots, has laid a wreath at both the Waaiegat monument and the military cemetery in Otrobanda. He did this together with the Chief of Equipage of CZMCARIB, Warrant officer Hijman on behalf of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard in the Caribbean. Warrant officer Hijman: “Unfortunately, the commemoration at the military cemetery could not take place last year. Fortunately, now we can. It is good that it could now be done at both locations. Namely, the military cemetery also has 8 war graves.” Dignitaries such as Governor George-Wout and (outgoing) Prime Minister Rhuggenaath were also present at this commemoration. Company soldiers in the West were also part of the ceremony. They rotate every four months as an army company on Curaçao and it was, therefore, a unique and special commemoration to be able to experience.
Defense in the Caribbean also held a two-minute silence with its own personnel in memory of all war victims or those killed since the outbreak of the Second World War.
