2016 Kanchanaburi Memorial Gathering
Like every year on August 15, the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok organized a meeting this year at the war cemeteries Don Ruk and Chungkai in Kanchanaburi to commemorate and honor those who suffered during the Second World War in Asia. Many died during the construction of the controversial Siam-BSiamrma Railway, many of them Dutch.
This year, Ambassador Karel Hartogh gave a moving and inspiring speech in which he emphasized the important role new generations have to play in preserving the memory of tragedies that took place during the war and of the victims. I quote some excerpts:
“Wars are often caused by misunderstanding, intolerance and, of course, a hunger for power and territory. The world today shows that misunderstanding and intolerance, and going for the good of one's own self, have unfortunately not been banished from this world, and perhaps never will.
It is precisely when there is no war that people begin to take peace for granted. Especially when global tensions increase. Especially with the active involvement of the new generations, young people, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
And that is why, just like last year, I would like to expressly reflect on the fact that freedom cannot be taken for granted. That freedom requires effort. That we must resist and protect each other against evil. By distancing yourself from people who utter hate speech, from those who incite people against each other. There are no easy solutions to the complex contemporary problems in the world, easy texts only lead to false expectations, ultimately only complicating our lives and our coexistence.”
You can read the full text of the speech at: thailand.nlambassade.org/appendices/nieuws/toespraak-ambassadeur.html
Below are some nice atmospheric photos from this year's meeting.
Source: Facebook page of the Dutch Embassy, Bangkok.
Too bad, we just came home from Kanchanaburi…we missed this for three days.
The place and the environment and the history associated with this place is amazing every time. On our visits I keep remembering the many people who had to survive there under the most appalling conditions and many of whom did not make it.
This morning, as I walked across the bridge and there the tourists happily taking dozens of selfies and other group shots, I thought to myself that a few generations ago numbers as large or more were chased onto the bridge like living shields. I believe that there were hardly any tourists who realize that or who are really interested in it.
Anyway, it hasn't been our last visit...
The tourists must know something because otherwise they wouldn't bother visiting the bridge. It's actually nice that people can now laugh in places like this where blood was spilled in the past. Perhaps not every selfie-taking tourist realizes what really happened, but even for those who do try it is still difficult. I know graphic stories from my grandparents about 'the Japanese', and that thanks to the atomic bombs I am now on this earth, but really understanding what happened there or here... that is not possible.
Wonderful films like The Railwayman and Letters from IwoJima (จดหมายจากอิโวจิมา) can then only come close. I recently came across the latter in Thai online, and several of my Thai acquaintances have indeed seen that film. But what can you say about it? Only that all that suffering, hatred and loss of life is so incomprehensible.
Thank you for drawing attention to this special meeting.
Nb The second quote is incorrect, but it is correct in the appendix.
Indeed… Kanchanaburi is simply impressive and emotional… The train journey of a few hours also makes you think… To think about it… Much respect for the Netherlands that maintains everything…
Will definitely go back for a third time..