Nathan's PAW 38: Arnhem 60 years

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the battle of Arnhem, a valiant if ultimately unsuccessful attempt by Allied paratroopers to land deep in enemy territory and capture three bridges over the Rhine. In the end they did not succeed but they did liberate the southern part of the Netherlands several months before the rest of the country was free.

The anniversary is marked every year, but of course this time it is a round one, and given that the youngest among the veterans are now in their 80s, probably the last round anniversary where significant numbers of them will be around to participate. This morning there was a very moving ceremony at the Commonwealth cemetery in Oosterbeek, with Prince Charles, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and various other dignitaries in attendance. I watched it on TV. Yesterday, I went with my children to pay my own private tribute to these brave men, and all pictures this week are from there.

A common sight at the cemetery--not all bodies could be identified:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38.jpg

Lots of veterans and local people were around; in the background you see the chairs being set up for today's events:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt1.jpg

A woman in thoughts at a Polish grave (there are 79 Polish airmen who were part of the RAF buried here):
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt2.jpg

A British veteran was walking around, placing flowers on selected graves:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt3.jpg

Face of a hero:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt4.jpg

A Jewish grave:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt5.jpg

The Polish came out in force too (the text reads: Poland to her defenders):
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt6.jpg

And for our Canadian friends:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/paw/2004/2004_38alt7.jpg

I know I posted from this spot about 3-4 months ago, then the place was empty. This time it was crowded, but still quite poignant.

The complete PAW index is at:
http://www.nathanfoto.com/indexpaw2004.html
and comments/critique are always welcome and appreciated.

Nathan
--
Nathan Wajsman
Almere, The Netherlands

General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com
Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com



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