Nowy van Hedel

bio

Born in The Netherlands, 1985

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In 2008 I received the adoption papers of PFC Stanley V Clark. ​When I visited the cemetery I saw all these crosses and I realized that each and every one fought for our freedom. These heroes gave their lives for us and they couldn’t go home to their families and loved ones. This thought gave me a special feeling. I saw the price of freedom and I wanted to do something back. The next time I visited the cemetery and when I stood in front of Stanley's cross, I made myself a promise; I wanted to get in contact with the family to let them know someone is thinking of their son and remembering him, and I wanted a  picture of this hero.

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I spent many hours, days, and weeks finding out all sort of information. I started to see a person, a life and slowly I could see a human behind his story. I saw how he stood up for people that suffered and couldn’t live in freedom. In the end I found out where and how he died. Knowing what he did for me, my family, my friends and all of us in the Netherlands and Europe makes me have even more respect for all of them, our liberators. I am thankful for all of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in that bitter and dark time so far from home.

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After that I realized with each visit that there are so many untold stories.Each and every soldier deserves to have his story told. That is why I had that feeling to do more. People found out about my research and soon families asked me to help them. Currently I have been able to find out information about 27 soldiers. Many families don’t know what exactly happened and it is a honor to let them know the stories what happened. This is my way to remember these heroes and my way to honor them.

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