Members of the Senate visited the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek on Thursday, October 9, as part of the celebration of eighty years of freedom. They engaged in conversations about freedom with eighth-grade students from primary school De Komeet in Malden. The childrens mayors from the municipality of Berg en Dal were also present.
Senate Chair Mei Li Vos, Robert Croll (D66), Martin van Rooijen (50PLUS), Ruben Baumgarten (JA21), Arie Griffioen, and Elly van Wijk (both BBB) participated in the working visit.
The working visit began with a brief introduction by Esther Horsten, director of the Freedom Museum. Following that, Senate Chair Mei Li Vos expressed her gratitude. She emphasized the importance of continuing conversations about freedom, not only about the freedom after World War II but also about the freedom of today and in the future.
After an introduction by one of the museum guides and a short film about World War II, the liberation of the Netherlands, the importance of freedom, and the establishment of the museum, the tour of the Freedom Museum began. In groups, the Senators and students were guided through the museum, engaging in discussions about statements that were relevant during the war. They also visited a reconstructed shelter where they could experience what it was like to have to hide during wartime. Both the children and the Senators found this experience impressive and moving. During the tour, Operation Market Garden, which took place in this region 80 years ago, was also discussed.
In conclusion, the children and Senators engaged in a conversation about freedom under the guidance of childrens correspondent Tako Rietveld. They discussed whether everyone always feels free, how a third world war can be prevented, and what concerns the children have, such as poverty, climate issues, and violence on the streets. The children also showed interest in the work of the Senators.
‘The visit was impressive and valuable. It is of great importance to engage in conversation with students about what concerns them and what they feel. Since they cannot vote yet, it is especially important to continue the dialogue so that their voices are heard,’ said Senate Chair Mei Li Vos afterward.
Senator Martin van Rooijen emphasized that he was impressed by the preparation of the students and the incredibly good questions they asked: ‘It is valuable that they will also discuss freedom at home as a result of this visit.’
This autumn marks eighty years since the First and Second Chambers met for the first time after the parliament had not convened for over five years due to the German occupation. The House of Representatives convened for the first time on September 25, 1945, and the Senate met on October 18, 1945. The so-called emergency parliament then convened on November 20, 1945, for the first post-war throne speech of Queen Wilhelmina. Next month, on November 20, 2025, the First and Second Chambers will commemorate this moment in a Special Joint Assembly.
