On Friday, April 25, royal distinctions were awarded in the Citizens Hall of the town hall. Mayor Schouten pinned a ribbon on no less than 47 Rotterdam residents. Four individuals received their distinction at a different location. From active volunteers at the sports club to Rotterdam residents who have contributed to an endangered dog breed.
During the ribbon rain, Rotterdam residents who contribute to society receive a distinction on behalf of the King. These are people who have worked hard for others for many years, often alongside a regular job and on a voluntary basis.
Breaking Taboos
For example, Mrs. Summerville, who is dedicated to people with HIV or AIDS within the Surinamese community. The disease is often still a taboo there. With her foundation, The Red Ribbon, she organizes activities for children and adults with HIV. By making life with this disease discussable, Mrs. Summerville tries to combat loneliness and poverty.
Village and District Councils
Mr. Oosterlee received a ribbon for his commitment in Rozenburg, both politically and in the church. As chairman of the Rozenburg village council, he played an important role in the realization of the Blankenburg Tunnel. He is also an organist during various services in the Advent Church Rozenburg and the Protestant Church Rockanje. District council members Ann van den Berg-Klaassen (Hoek van Holland), Ton van Eijsden (Schiebroek), Bea van Raemdonck (Prins Alexander), and Goof van der Stoep (Heijplaat) also received a ribbon on Friday for their contributions as members of their district council.
Summer Carnival
The jury chair of the Summer Carnival, Mrs. Kenter, also received a ribbon. She has been involved in the Summer Carnival as a jury member for 25 years. In addition, she takes on various tasks and roles within various sports clubs and is involved in the Roparun and the Sports Supplies Bank.
‘Our city has many involved citizens who dedicate themselves every day with heart and soul to others. Today I was able to thank and highlight some of them. An honorable task that I, on behalf of the King, gladly took on.’
51 Ribbons
In total, 27 men and 24 women were distinguished. The mayor awarded 40 times the Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau, 10 times the Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, and once the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Want to know who received a ribbon? Check at rotterdam.nl/lintjesregen. Link opens an external page. Want to know more about the royal distinctions? You can read that at: at rotterdam.nl/onderscheidingen.