“At one point I saw a call from Bridge to Liberation for volunteers and thought: maybe I can do something based on my interest.” This is how Corine Poot (48) started her volunteer work at Bridge to Liberation. In addition to her work as an English teacher at Marnix College in Ede, Corine has been helping to make Bridge to Liberation a reality every year for three editions. “Where we live was part of the liberation of the Netherlands.”
“Freedom for me is that you can live without having to look over your shoulder. That you can step out the door without having to think about it. That you can learn, study and work without any restrictions. And that we can write and say whatever we want, that is freedom for me. When you talk to someone who no longer has that freedom, you realize how much freedom you have. In September, when it is Airborne Month, you should reflect on all the people who do not have that freedom.”
“I really grew up with that in my youth and I would like to pass that on. That is why I really appreciate that Bridge to Liberation involves students and gives youth a role in the films they make. There are also many children on the quay during the show and that is also the strength of the event. I want to be part of that too. That is the goal of Bridge to Liberation: to give the power of commemoration to youth and visitors. All volunteers are Arnhem residents who feel connected to the city and its history. We enjoy being able to do something besides our work.”
“The idea was that many children and students would hold a large ribbon during the guard of honor. That ribbon was composed of cloths with a drawing or text on them and that was all carefully sewn together. It was a very long ribbon of about 300 meters that had to be rolled out and that the students and children would hold. I had come up with a particular tactic: I would give the end to the first student and unroll the ribbon.
Unfortunately that didn't go as planned! The ribbon got completely tangled and I broke out in a sweat, because at the end of the ceremony the mayor comes by to watch. The ribbon got so tangled that I decided to cut it. There was simply no other solution. The ribbon was ultimately no longer a ribbon, but separate pieces knotted together. Of course I was disappointed at the moment, but afterwards we could laugh about it! Fortunately you didn't see anything else about it on TV.”
Would you like to continue volunteering at Bridge to Liberation in the future?
“Yes, I think so. I would also like to have a bigger role. I think the theme is so important that I would also like to contribute to other events. I definitely see a future in that. I would like to grow and develop in this regard and see what is possible with the knowledge and experience that I have.”
