"At one point, I saw a call for volunteers from Bridge to Liberation and thought: maybe I can contribute something based on my interests." That's how Corine Poot (48) began her volunteer work with Bridge to Liberation. In addition to her work as an English teacher at Marnix College in Ede, Corine has been helping make Bridge to Liberation a reality for three years now. "Where we live was part of the liberation of the Netherlands."
Freedom for me is being able to live without having to look over your shoulder. Being able to step outside without having to think about it. Being able to learn, study, and work without limitations. And being able to write and say whatever we want—that's freedom for me. When you talk to someone who no longer has that freedom, you realize just how much freedom you have. In September, when it's Airborne Month, it's perfectly fine to reflect on all the people who don't have that freedom
I really grew up with that, and I want to pass it on. That's why I really appreciate that Bridge to Liberation involves students and gives young people a role in the films they make. During the show, there are also a lot of children on the quay, and that's the highlight of the event. I want to be a part of that too. That's the goal of Bridge to Liberation: to share the power of remembrance with young people and visitors. All the volunteers are Arnhem residents who feel connected to the city and its history. We enjoy being able to contribute something outside of our regular jobs
The idea was for many children and students to hold a large ribbon during the guard of honor. This ribbon was made up of cloths with a drawing or text on them, all carefully sewn together. It was a very long ribbon, about 300 meters long, that had to be unrolled and that the students and children would hold. I had devised a specific strategy: I would give the first student the end and unroll the ribbon.
Unfortunately, things 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 take a look. The ribbon was so tangled that I decided to cut it. There was simply no other solution. In the end, the ribbon wasn't a ribbon anymore, but separate pieces tied together. I was bummed at the time, of course, but we could laugh about it afterward! Luckily, you didn't see anything of it on TV
Would you like to continue volunteering with Bridge to Liberation in the future?
"Yes, I think so. I'd also love to have a bigger role. I find the theme so important that I'd like to volunteer for other events as well. I definitely see a future in that. I'd like to grow and develop in that area and see what's possible with the knowledge and experience I have."
