‘The real heroes lay buried in Oosterbeek’

Voorzitter van de Arnhem Veterans, Johnny Peters, voerde namens de twintig aanwezige veteranen en hun familie het woord in GelreDome. De redactie van vitesse.org vroeg, voor hij vertrok, of wij zijn speech mochten plaatsen. “I would be honoured”, was het antwoord.

Buromasters, Pauline Krikke and John Paul Gebben.
Ladies and gentlemen, supporters of both teams.

Sixtyseven years ago, to this date september 17th 1944, we dropped from the skies to liberate Arnhem and Oosterbeek from the Germans, who had occupied you for so long. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, and we left your people once again to the Germans, who punished them for helping us.

Sixtyseven years ago to this date, september 17th 2011, you welcome us as heroes, which we are not – as the real heroes lay buried in Oosterbeek Center, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

On behalf of the Arnhem Veterans, I would like to thank the owner Mr. Jordania of the Vitesse Football Club, the manager and board of directors, for inviting us here, every year, to your club to watch a football match, including Stef ten Thij of the Supporters Club.

Both supporters of each side, have a good and enjoyable match.

God bless and thank you
From Johnny Peters

Het peloton van Johhny Peters in 1944 (met helm)

Supportersvereniging Vitesse