Since October 17, 2002, an impressive bronze memorial statue, designed by Zandvoort sculptor Kees Verkade, has stood on the Verzetsplein in Park Duijnwijk. The 1.80 meter high statue shows a standing, naked man with his right arm bent in front of his chest, symbolizing strength and resistance. His left arm hangs relaxed along his body, emphasizing the balance between struggle and peace.
Behind the statue is a low, curved stone wall with the inscription: “resistance – freedom – future” . This monument not only honors the resistance heroes of the Second World War, but is a symbol for all forms of resistance, both past, present and future.
The unveiling was performed by resistance hero Eric Hazelhoff Roelfzema, better known as the Soldier of Orange. Since then, the monument has played an important role during the annual May 4 commemoration in Zandvoort.
An image among the people
Kees Verkade deliberately chose not to place the statue on a pedestal, so that it literally and figuratively stands among the people. In doing so, he emphasizes that resistance is not something distant, but something that belongs to all of us.
The memorial statue on Resistance Square remains a powerful symbol of freedom, justice and the value of resistance – then, now and in the future.