Light

We’ve reached that time of year again when one festive day follows another. 17 April: the liberation of Apeldoorn. 27 April: King’s Day. 5 May: Liberation Day. Ascension Day. Whitsun. All light-hearted, cheerful days.  Apart, of course, from 4 May, when at 8.00 pm we literally pause to remember all those who lost their lives in the war. But celebration and remembrance have always gone hand in hand; they maintain the balance between the sombre and the light-hearted.

We need that from time to time, as human beings. Light-heartedness. Cheerfulness. A hearty laugh. That’s why I enjoy it so much – King’s Day and those other days. The decorated bikes, the children selling their toys on their little blankets.  The little flags, the morning serenades, the mille-feuilles, the three cheers of ‘Hurrah!’. The bands at the Liberation Festival, and the exuberant atmosphere that goes with it. The dawn walks on Ascension Day and the family get-togethers over the Whitsun weekend.

Simply, that you feel people can be content and happy. For no particular reason, just being together and enjoying the lovely weather. For everyday life, for a chat over the hedge with your neighbour, for a little walk with your grandchild, for a beautiful sunset.   Simply being a bit kind and friendly to one another. On days like that, it all seems to come a bit more easily than on others. That’s what I think of when I raise a toast on 27 April with a glass of orange liqueur in my hand. Of course, I’ll be toasting the King. But I’ll also be toasting his subjects – all of us. May we continue to do our best for one another and keep things a bit cosy together.

I wish you all a lovely, cheerful, enjoyable and carefree May Day.

Ton Heerts