In the heart of the charming Dutch town of Vught, the Sint-Petruskerk stands as a beacon of history and reverence. Within its sacred walls lies a poignant testament to the resilience and solidarity of women during one of humanity's darkest periods. The Gedenkraam, a memorial stained glass window, is not just a work of art but a narrative of courage, unity, and hope amidst the horrors of World War II.
Commissioned by the church board of the St. Petrus Parish, the Gedenkraam was unveiled on October 20, 1996. This memorial window commemorates the women imprisoned in Kamp Vught, who endured the infamous Bunkerdrama. The initiative for the window was born out of a deep desire to honor the solidarity and mutual support these women showed each other during their harrowing imprisonment. The project was a collaborative effort involving the church board, the National Monument Kamp Vught (NMKV), the Vriendenkring Vught, and the Zonta North Brabant service club for women.
The Gedenkraam, designed by the talented artist Marius de Leeuw, is a symphony of white and blue hues. The lower part of the window depicts women bending over a reclining figure, symbolizing the care and compassion they extended to one another. Above them, doves soar, representing the hope and positivity that persisted despite their dire circumstances. At the center of the window, a stylized red rose blooms amidst barbed wire, a powerful metaphor for beauty and resilience flourishing even in the most oppressive conditions.
The Bunkerdrama, which the Gedenkraam memorializes, was a tragic event during which a group of ninety women in Kamp Vught stood in solidarity with their fellow prisoner, Non Verstegen. Non had been punished for an act of defiance that they all participated in, and in a show of unity, the women submitted their names and numbers to the camp commandant. In retaliation, the commandant locked them all in a tiny cell, resulting in the deaths of ten women overnight. Despite this tragedy, the surviving women continued to support and uplift each other through song and camaraderie.
The unveiling of the Gedenkraam was a deeply moving event. Tineke Wibaut-Guilonard, a survivor of the Bunkerdrama, played a significant role in the committee overseeing the window's creation. Although she did not live to see its completion, her spirit was present during the ceremony. The window and an accompanying plaque featuring a quote from composer Marius Flothuis were unveiled by Gisela Wieberdink-Söhnlein, another survivor. Gisela eloquently described the window as a representation of the solidarity and strength of the oppressed women, emphasizing the importance of mutual support in their survival.
The legacy of the women who endured the Bunkerdrama lives on through the Gedenkraam. The survivors remained connected throughout their lives, regularly meeting, writing letters, and sharing their stories. Their resilience and solidarity inspired the establishment of the National Monument Kamp Vught (NMKV) and the Vriendenkring Vught in 1990. Every year on January 16, the surviving women would gather in Vught to remember their shared experiences and honor those who did not survive.
As you stand before the Gedenkraam in the serene ambiance of the Sint-Petruskerk, you are not merely looking at a stained glass window. You are witnessing a powerful narrative of human spirit, solidarity, and hope. The Gedenkraam is a reminder of the strength that emerges when people come together in the face of adversity. It is a tribute to the women who, despite being subjected to unimaginable cruelty, found solace and strength in each other.
Visiting the Sint-Petruskerk and viewing the Gedenkraam is a deeply moving experience. It is a place where art and history intertwine, offering a profound reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a visitor seeking to understand the depths of human courage, the Gedenkraam in the Sint-Petruskerk is an essential stop in Vught.
The Gedenkraam stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of solidarity. It invites us to remember, reflect, and draw inspiration from those who, even in the darkest times, found the strength to support and uplift one another. As you leave the Sint-Petruskerk, the image of the blooming rose amidst barbed wire and the soaring doves will stay with you, a lasting reminder of the unbreakable human spirit.
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