Lamme explains how the monument came about. “After the first commemoration in 2015 in the Vitus Church, the wish arose for a permanent place to commemorate in the form of a monument. A committee, including Pieter Broertjes and pastor Jules Dresmé, started thinking about it and found in me a designer from the area who could look at it with an artistic eye.”
Sunflowers
Lamme comes from Hilversum and immediately agreed with the theme of sunflowers devised by the committee. “Based on the grit of the heart of a sunflower, I came to symbolize the people who were on the plane as sunflowers. A flower in the bud represents a child, a flower in bloom an adult. The flower heads point to each other so you can recognize them as families. A few are positioned in such a way that they are included in the group.” The great thing about the process, according to Lamme, is that the design was created in consultation with the surviving relatives. “The monument has been designed very carefully so that everyone can commemorate it with a good feeling.”
Forged bronze
The sunflowers are forged in bronze by the Soester Rijn Tupker. “Bronze forging is a special technique. It gives the metal a look that you don't get if you cast it, for example. The artwork takes the strength from the leaves that are welded together. At the same time, it represents the eternal connection of the surviving relatives.” There was a desire to make the names visible somewhere. Lamme thought it was a good idea to add a bench so you could sit down for a while. This is how the idea for the stone bench with names came about.
No hierarchy
Lamme calls the monument 'a slender whole'. “What I really like about it is that no hierarchy arises when people come together. Because the sunflowers are in a circle, everyone gathers around them. There is no platform, no left and no right. I find that way of commemorating particularly beautiful.” He has fond memories of working with everyone involved. “We listened to each other a lot. It's nice that people are so happy with it. It was a special assignment for me.”
commemorative meeting
A memorial meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10.30:17 am at the Hilversum MHXNUMX monument in the Dudokpark. In addition to Mayor Gerhard van den Top and Pastor Jules Dresmé, several immediate relatives and the former spiritual counselor of the Corporal of Oudheusden Barracks will also give a speech. Everyone is cordially invited to attend this memorial meeting.
