photo: © Sacha de Boer — 75 Jaar Vrijheid in Beeld — Terneuzen, August 31, 2019
Photographer Sacha de Boer uses 75 jaar vrijheid in beeld to show us a memory captured in the present, with an eye toward the future.
A celebrating crowd moves through the streets. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. A mother, a neighbor, a teacher with his students, local residents, grandparents with their grandchildren. A veteran keeps his memories alive for the next generation. Laughter and cheers, but also grief, reflection and silence. Then and now. The Netherlands pauses, looks back and moves forward. The country celebrates and commemorates 75 years of freedom.
It began on a grand and stirring scale in Terneuzen on August 31, 2019, marking the start of the year commemorating 75 years of freedom. From March 2020, the anniversary became much more subdued as COVID-19 took hold. The May 4 remembrance ceremony took place on an almost empty Dam Square.
Photographer Sacha de Boer takes us on a visual journey through the country and through time. Her beautiful black-and-white photographs sometimes make us wonder whether we are looking at the past or the present. A group of soldiers walks past as though it were 75 years ago. Then a film crew with modern equipment appears on the left of the same photograph, reminding us that the images were made recently.
The book reflects the many hundreds of small and large projects that vfonds—the Dutch National Fund for Peace, Freedom and Veterans Care—helped make possible during this anniversary year. The book 75 jaar vrijheid in beeld reminds us of the importance of peace and freedom.
Across 25 special projects and events, Sacha used her camera to document how people throughout the country were personally involved, moved or inspired by 75 years of freedom. Sacha de Boer traveled across the Netherlands in search of the emotion and experience behind significant moments and meaningful places.
This may be one of the last opportunities to collect these testimonies and preserve them for future generations. Their importance should not be underestimated. They teach us that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted, but are fluid concepts that must continually be questioned and worked toward.
Arnhem — Bridge to Liberation: on September 20, 2019, thousands of people gathered at the foot of the John Frost Bridge, where the Battle of Arnhem had reached its focal point.
Ginkel Heath — Commemoration and Airborne Landings: thousands of British paratroopers landed on the Ginkel Heath in September 1944. The 75th commemoration drew the largest attendance in the event's history.
Werkendam — The Art of Freedom: a gathering at an art installation about perseverance and ordinary people waiting for the cruelty of war—of all wars—to end so they can continue their lives in peace.
75 Jaar Vrijheid in Beeld — Sacha de Boer & vfonds
Pages: 224
Price at the time of publication: €49.95
Publisher: Uitgeverij Komma
ISBN: 9789083103532 | Language: Dutch. This article refers to the Dutch-language edition.
