Toespraak minister Brekelmans bij opening tentoonstelling ‘Faces of Freedom’ in Doorn
De tekst is alleen in het Engels beschikbaar.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
Often, a photograph tells us more than numbers, maps or reports ever could.
That is precisely what this exhibition does: it gives a human face to a mission that began more than a quarter of a century ago, in the chaos of a country torn apart.
A mission that still resonates until today.
Through memories, friendships, and the stories we tell.
In 1999, now 26 years ago, the Netherlands began its contribution to the NATO mission in Kosovo.
Our country played a substantial role: more than four thousand service members were deployed, including complete artillery and engineering units.
Their mission had one single aim: to contribute to peace and security for the people of Kosovo.
To bring stability in a situation of chaos.
And to lay the groundwork for a future in which people could live in security once again.
One of them was Arjan Dijkhuizen.
His story was published last year in the Dutch veterans’ magazine Checkpoint. He described the moment his unit crossed the border into Kosovo:
“On the evening of June 13th, we began to roll. It felt like we were liberators. Just before the border, people were throwing flowers onto our vehicles from all directions and cheering us on.
But once we crossed into Kosovo, we plunged into a black hole. All the lights were out, and we passed through ghost towns, completely destroyed.”
The contrast between hope and devastation speaks volumes about the reality our service members entered.
What they encountered.
What they brought with them.
And what they stood for.
The portraits we see here today bring those realities to life once again.
They show us the faces of those who went.
And they remind us that a mission doesn’t end upon return, but becomes a part of who you are.
I’m truly grateful to everyone who made this exhibition possible.
In particular, photographers Febe Meijnen and Ferdi Limani, whose striking portraits capture the deep emotional impact of this mission.
I would also like to thank the Netherlands Veterans Institute and the Embassy of Kosovo, in particular Ambassador Dr. Dren Doli, for their invaluable support in bringing this exhibition to life.
This exhibition is not just about looking back, it is also about building connections.
The bond between the Netherlands and Kosovo was forged in a time of crisis, but it has grown into a lasting friendship.
And that bond is more relevant today than ever before.
Kosovo is a young country with a strong European ambition.
On its path towards EU integration, it still faces important challenges.
Building trust between communities takes time.
Cultural differences and the weight of history are still felt in daily life.
And the regional context makes political dialogue more complex.
But the desire to move forward is clear, and deserves our continued support.
There are, fortunately, also clear signs of hope:
A young population.
A European orientation.
A strong desire for progress.
That is why the visit of the North Atlantic Council to Pristina on 11 March, led by Secretary General Mark Rutte, was so significant.
It was a clear signal of support for Kosovo.
And a call to all parties to stay on the path of dialogue and cooperation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Faces of Freedom exhibition reminds us that peace is never a given.
It relies on people who take responsibility. With courage, a sense of solidarity, and unwavering conviction.
And freedom always begins with the personal: through stories, reflected in faces, shaped by choices.
I hope many people will come to visit this exhibition.
Not only to look back, but also to look ahead.
Because today, more than ever, we need these stories.
As a mirror.
As a lesson.
And as a source of inspiration.
Thank you.