Curious about what motivates volunteers who work for the information center? Follow their stories. Nienke Stoel explains. “Every stone is the same, but each story is unique.”

When did you get involved with the information center?

In 2021, I read the book “Holtense Canadians” by @JanBraakman containing stories about the fallen soldiers who were buried in Holten. That piqued my interest. I had not been living in Holten very long and was looking for a place where I could volunteer and get to know people. I love stories and data about people in history, so I signed up to the information center next to the Canadian Cemetery in Holten.

What is your role?

I am part of the research group. Together, we collect as much data, photos as possible and reconstruct and write stories. We have information about most of the 1,394 graves.

Watch on https://levensverhalen.canadesebegraafplaatsholten.nl/ if you're curious.

I'm mainly involved in managing data online and improving old portrait photos with artificial intelligence. From May 4 to 23, when we commemorate 80 years of freedom, you will find a sign next to each grave with a QR code that refers to information about and (if available) a photo of the soldier buried there. I'm really looking forward to that!

What is your motivation to do this?

The soldiers buried in Holten made the ultimate sacrifice. That should not be for nothing. That's why I think it's important that we keep commemorating and that we keep telling the stories in our information center. The stories impress and come in, so that we remain aware of the vulnerability and value of our freedom.

Why do people need to visit the ICBH?

The cemetery is an impressive place, in the middle of the forest, where you only hear the birds singing. Every stone is the same, but each story is unique. In the information center, you will get to know the soldiers and discover what they have experienced. This gives great added value to a visit to the cemetery. The whole experience makes you humble and grateful.