Jan Dijkstra awarded Royal Honour after 12 years of service to Wageningen
Long-serving councillor Jan Dijkstra received a Royal Honour for his dedication to Wageningen, advocating for youth, seniors, and families in need. Fourteen councillors were honored for their contributions as they step down from the municipal council, marking the end of an era for local governance.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Jan Dijkstra |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | 12 years (Provincial Council of Gelderland & Wageningen Municipal Council) |
| Role | Bridge-builder, advocate for youth, seniors, and families in poverty |
| Departing Councillors | 14 (from GroenLinks, Stadspartij, PvdA, D66, VVD, Connect Wageningen, etc.) |
| Location | Wageningen, Gelderland |
| Date | 30 March 2026 |
The municipal council of Wageningen plays a key role in local governance, representing citizens' interests and shaping policies that affect daily life. Royal Honours, awarded by the Dutch monarchy, recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions to society, often highlighting their impact on community development.
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Royal Honour for Jan Dijkstra upon Retirement from Municipal Council
During the municipal council meeting on Monday, 30 March, we said farewell to 14 councillors who will not return to the municipal council. A moment filled with appreciation, kind words, and memories.
A particularly special moment was reserved for Jan Dijkstra: he received a Royal Honour from Mayor Floor Vermeulen and was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau! With 12 years of dedication to the Provincial Council of Gelderland and the municipal council of Wageningen, he was known as a true bridge-builder and engaged public representative.
From the 5 May Parade to opportunities for young people, seniors, and families living in poverty, Jan always wholeheartedly committed himself to Wageningen.
We also said farewell to the following councillors: from GroenLinks: Moomin Ait-Imchi, Hans Brons, Percy Cicilia Jr., Marisabel Pardo; from the Stadspartij: Klaas de Weerd; from the PvdA: Greet Eijkelenboom, Jan Willem Kamerman, Juriën Koster; from D66: Martin Riesmeijer; from the VVD: Bart Rozemeijer; from Connect Wageningen: Glesby Thijssen; from the ChristenUnie: Monique Heger; from the CDA: Jan Dijkstra; and from Verantwoord Lokaal Wageningen: Lara Minnaard.
Our thanks to all departing councillors for their dedication and commitment to Wageningen!