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NS Says Woerden Memorial Wreath Was Not Stolen as Rail Chief Decries Other Incidents

The correction underscores how fragile public acts of wartime remembrance can be.

Overview

  • NS said the wreath missing from Woerden was taken home by a relative who does so each year under an understanding with the railway.
  • The spokesperson added the wreath was collected earlier than expected this time, and NS plans to tighten the arrangement for next year.
  • Separate incidents remain under review, with a wreath reported stolen in Roermond and another found destroyed in Weert.
  • NS president-director Wouter Koolmees said he was deeply shocked and emphasized that station wreaths symbolize respect for victims of World War II.
  • Weert’s mayor Raymond Vlecken called the destruction of the wreath in his city sad and cowardly, as the plaques at 110 stations honor fallen NS employees, including Melis Heijveld in Woerden.