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Remembering Rotterdam Blitz

32 Comments
Erasmus Bridge, Lines of Fire

Erasmus Bridge, Lines of Fire

On the 14th May 1940, Rotterdam was bombed heavily by the German air force. Leaving thousands homeless and lost their love ones, it ruined historical buildings, it was devastating how a city could be destroyed heavily. The bombing followed by the Dutch capitulation to Germany on the following day, 15th May 1940. Two years after the Netherlands’ surrender, Indonesia, which was colonized by the Netherlands, fell to German’s ally, Japan. Five years later, 1945, the World War Two ended: the Netherlands was freed from Germany occupation and Indonesia declared its independence. However the wars did not end for Indonesia and the Netherlands. In the period of 1945 to 1949, Indonesian army had to fight the Dutch army, for the Dutch longing to reoccupied Indonesia.

Maas Boulevard, Lines of Fire

Maas Boulevard, Lines of Fire

 

No wars have real winners, no citizens would enjoy living when their freedom and their identity being scrapped. The truth is people suffered most during the wars. It is a tragedy to be avoided. To remember the bombing tragedy, a couple years ago, Rotterdam held light shows at night time to present the bombing area (Rotterdam Blitz) in 1940. The show was very touching and beautiful at the same time. A date to be remembered for not happening again.

Willems Bridge, Lines of Fire

Willems Bridge, Lines of Fire

Europe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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32 Comments »

  1. “No wars have real winners, no citizens would enjoy living when their freedom and their identity being scrapped. The truth is people suffered most during the wars. It is a tragedy to be avoided.”

    Indah, please give these thoughts and a link to this post in a comment to my post JF’s Challenge.

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  3. I enjoyed your photos but above all I agree you notes of remembrance; its a pity we can’t get all the warmongers in one room to listen too the ordinary peoples of the world who want too, can do, and do live together in peace alongside each other.

  4. We all have busy busy days Indah this is the first time I’ve logged in for a week 🙂

  6. I found this post via JF who posted above. I visited Rotterdam for the first time last year and was impressed with how Rotterdam officials have reinvented the city since the Rotterdam Blitz. I knew little of the city’s history before my visit – travel is a wonderful way of learning. The light show must have been very moving – a great way of ensuring history is not forgotten.

    • Thank you so much Lynne for leaving the comment. Indeed, travel makes us learn new thing 🙂 The light show was beautiful and I wish the local govt to continue the event but unfortunately it stop since couple years ago 😦 The blitz is now being commemorated by 1 minute silence..

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