Carillons for Peace in Ukraine

On February 24th, 2023, it will be a year since the Russian army invaded Ukraine. To this day, the fighting continues, with a great impact on the Ukrainian citizens. Many of them have fled to other countries, including to the Netherlands.

In order to demonstrate solidarity and compassion to the Ukrainian refugees, who have to live with this war every day, Gerda Peters, the town carillonneur of Voorburg, together with Rotary Voorburg have come up with this plan: From 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Gerda will play the carillon in the Oude Kerk with music that reflects the themes of solidarity, compassion, peace, and love. Afterwards, the church bells will toll, much like on Dutch Commemoration Day, May 4th, to commemorate the victims of this war. The monumental church will be illuminated blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Rotary Voorburg has also invited Ukrainian refugees to commemorate the day in the Oude Kerk in any way they may need. In the Hague region, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees have been taken in, including in Leidschendam-Voorburg, where a location in the Overgoo business park has been established for the long-term temporary housing of around 200 refugees.

There is a special bond between the Old Church Carillon and Rotary. In 2005, the 2 Voorburg Rotary Clubs donated an extra bass bell to the carillon to commemorate 60 years of freedom in the Netherlands and the 100 th anniversary of Rotary worldwide.

Carillons throughout the Netherlands and abroad are participating.
Gerda Peters is one of the many carillonneurs in the Netherlands that play on special occasions. On February 24th, many more carillons in the Netherlands will draw attention to the situation in Ukraine. For example, the carillons in Delft and the Peace Palace have been invited to join this campaign. The carillon of the Dom Tower in Utrecht (where the jubilee year of Rotary Netherlands this year will be commemorated with a bespoke composition) is also participating.

The campaign is also gaining international attention. The Rotary in Konstancin-Jeziorna (former sister city of Leidschendam-Voorburg) is participating and will help motivate more clubs and carillons in Poland to participate.

Will your community participate?
Rotary calls on its clubs, as well as on all carillonneurs, to join forces and to draw attention to peace in Ukraine on February 24th. Through the Koninklijke Nederlandse Klokkenspelvereniging NKV (secretaris@klokkenspel.org), you can find out who the local carillonneur in your area is. Suitable music is available for the carillonneurs.

Of course, you can also support this Rotary action with a donation, that will be used to fund general humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. Your gift is welcome on bank account NL54 RABO 03659586 46 of Rotary Club Voorburg.