Gedenkraam in de Oosterkerk

In the heart of the quaint Dutch town of Aalten, there lies a gem that tells a poignant story of resilience, solidarity, and gratitude. The Gedenkraam in de Oosterkerk is not just a stained glass window; it is a war memorial that stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Aalten during the dark days of World War II.

The History of the Gedenkraam

The origins of the Gedenkraam are deeply intertwined with the life and efforts of Thomas Delleman, a pastor who served in Aalten from 1930 to 1938 before moving to Kralingen. Delleman played a pivotal role in the community during the war, particularly after the devastating bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. He initiated a program to bring children from the bombed city to Aalten for a respite, resulting in around 800 children finding refuge in the town.

Delleman's efforts didn't stop there. He also facilitated the hiding of young men who were trying to avoid forced labor under the German occupation. In 1943, his initiatives expanded to accommodate another 500 evacuees from Scheveningen. During the famine years, Aalten regularly sent food supplies by train to the western parts of the Netherlands, showcasing the town's unwavering spirit of generosity and support.

Shortly after the war, a committee was formed to create a memorial window to thank the people of Aalten for their help during the war. Initially intended for the Westerkerk, the window found its home in the Oosterkerk after all the windows there were shattered by a nearby V1 explosion in January 1945. The memorial, designed by Marius Richters and executed by Henri van Lamoen, was unveiled on July 13, 1946, by Pastor Delleman himself. The ceremony was broadcast on the radio by NCRV, marking a significant moment in the town's history.

The Design and Symbolism

The Gedenkraam is a masterpiece of stained glass art, rich with symbolism and historical references. The main window is set within a trifora, a three-part window structure, and is crowned with the coat of arms of the Netherlands, bearing the motto Je maintiendrai (I will maintain). Below this, the Dutch Maiden stands proudly, holding the national flag in her right hand and a burning torch in her left, symbolizing hope and freedom. Flanking her are a farmer and a bricklayer, representing the reconstruction efforts post-war.

Central to the window are the figures of a farmer and a farmwoman, surrounded by children and a person in hiding, illustrating the everyday heroes of Aalten who risked their lives to protect others. On either side, German soldiers with bayonets intrude into the scene, a stark reminder of the ever-present danger during the occupation. The lower sections of the window depict emaciated women and children, and a group of people returning home with food supplies, capturing the dire conditions and the relief efforts during the war.

At the very bottom, the coat of arms of Aalten, featuring a linden tree, and the coat of arms of the House of Orange are displayed, with a banner reading Uit dankbaarheid voor hulp in oorlogstijd, soli Deo gloria (Out of gratitude for help in wartime, to God alone the glory). The window is also adorned with various biblical texts, providing spiritual solace and reflection.

The Side Windows

In 1947, two additional side windows were added, enhancing the narrative of the main window. The left window features the seal of the Reformed Church of Kralingen, while the right window displays the seal of the Reformed Church of Aalten. These windows also include symbols of the four evangelists, depictions of Moses and Isaiah, and the coats of arms of Rotterdam, Scheveningen, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Kralingen, and a Star of David, representing the broader community and their collective efforts during the war.

At the very bottom of these side windows are verses by Muus Jacobse, encapsulating the sentiment of the time:

Maar als ik leven mag tot de bevrijdingen juichen op het overwinningsfeest, God, doe mij dan dit weten, wat voorbijging aan nood en leed is niet vergeefs geweest.

Visiting the Gedenkraam

A visit to the Gedenkraam in de Oosterkerk is a journey through history, a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made and the unyielding spirit of a community in the face of adversity. The church itself, with its serene ambiance and historical significance, provides the perfect setting to appreciate the beauty and the profound message of the memorial window.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the human spirit during times of crisis, the Gedenkraam offers a powerful and moving experience. It stands not only as a reminder of the past but also as an enduring symbol of hope, resilience, and gratitude.