Honoring Moroccan heroes : WWII tribute in the Netherlands celebrates courage and unity
A tribute was paid to the Moroccan soldiers who died during the Battle of Kapelle (1940) in the Netherlands, during battles against Nazi troops. The ceremony, held at the French military cemetery, honored the memory of Moroccan, French, and Dutch soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defend the values of freedom, human dignity, and democracy.
The Moroccan ambassador to the Netherlands, Mohamed Basri, expressed his pride in the courage of the Moroccan soldiers who fought in Europe during World War II and recalled the call of Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef, which led nearly 90,000 Moroccans to join the Allies.
Basri also highlighted France's recognition of Morocco, illustrated by General De Gaulle's invitation to Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef to the Victory celebrations in 1945 and the designation of the sovereign as a companion of liberation.
He emphasized the wisdom of the Moroccan monarchy, a reliable partner of the Allies, and recalled the heroic role of Mohammed V in protecting the Jews of Morocco during this dark period.
The ambassador also encouraged younger generations to embrace this diverse history to tackle future challenges by promoting the principles of tolerance, openness, and coexistence. He stressed the importance of education as a space for training future citizens and promoting living together.
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