Flower Child of Arnhem |

Willemien Rieken cared for the grave of Trooper William McKinley Edmond in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery for 75 years. Here's her story.
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[@steveforster9764]

What a Beautiful story and a special lady God bless the Dutch.

[@colonialdad1]

Thank you to the people of Holland and flower children of Holland.

[@alanmack3538]

Thank you for looking after the graves of our fallen

[@paulperrin2152]

Thank you the flower children of arnhem, thank you for the flowers on my great uncles grave, private Stanley greenhow 10th parachute battalion killed in action 9 October 1944, RESPECT to you all xx

[@daleasmith75]

Was at the 75th anniversary, the most moving service I have ever witnessed, was fighting back tears throughout, the Dutch really can’t do enough for us over there, all thanks to the actions and sacrifice of those brave lads of the airborne, god bless them all

[@samb1123]

All of the men tragically sacrificed in Operation Market Garden to no avail and those who died in more successful battles the following year. My countrymen appreciate the respect and honour you show for our fallen. Our WWII veterans are showered with love when they visit the Netherlands. They and the Dutch that they liberated are almost all gone now but the gratitude still flows between the descendants. My son visited The Netherlands at 17 in 2006 and was amazed at how much young people there taught him about and appreciated Canada's role in liberation their country. Thank You.

[@philipnorris6542]

At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember them.

[@stuartauld3193]

Thanks from UK. X

[@dalecook9437]

Thank you

[@wlhjr77]

Very impressive lady.

[@steveforster9764]

Amazing lady xx

[@keithmitchell6548]

Very moving.

[@derekpara]

I can tell you that the vast majority of Dutch people I have met in Arnhem/Oosterbeek are just like this lovely lady. I have been attending the Arnhem Pilgrimages for many years and been most warmly and movingly welcomed . Complete strangers have paid for my, and my mates', restaurant meals, invited me to stay in their homes and driven to the various DZs etc. I even had the great honour and pleasure of meeting Kate ter Horst in her house near Oosterbeek church, shortly before she was tragically killed by a car in the road outside. She was truly saintly. RIP.

[@JoePeddos44]

My father Eric Waldo Spicer is buried in the Oosterbeek cemetery he was killed on 1st October 1944. My mother was buried with him 10 years ago. I wish to thank all the flower children who go every year to lay flowers at the graves

[@BBob1]

RIP Willemin, and thank you.

[@theram4320]

Thank you for keeping their memory alive and, respecting their sacrifice. Your efforts mean a lot to us.

[@patgeorge1]

A few years back my wife and I went to the cemetery with my daughter and her family. It was raining at the time, I felt this was a small sacrifice to make. My two teen granddaughters walked around the graves, very interested in what they saw. Later we went into the nearby town and went round the museum. The Arnhem battle although it failed it is still an important part of local history.

[@DianaKazimiera-]

Great respect 🕊️🕯️🥀

[@rosaleenbrown4417]

Such a touching revelation about these children who were devoted to give honour by their constant flowers to the astoundingly brave martyr - soldiers .