Oversteegen sisters receive high distinction
You’re both heroines. There’s no better word. And you were that way even at a young age. Even as girls.” That’s how Prime Minister Mark Rutte described sisters Truus Menger-Oversteegen and Freddie Dekker-Oversteegen.
The Oversteegen sisters receive the Mobilization War Cross from Prime Minister Rutte
During a special gathering in the stately State Hall at the Binnenhof in The Hague on Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2014, both women received the Mobilization War Cross from the Prime Minister.
As the ultimate token of appreciation for their acts of resistance during the Second World War. “It is beyond doubt that you both demonstrated exceptional courage,” the Prime Minister addressed sisters Truus (then 90, now sadly deceased) and Freddie (then 88). “Thanks to you, and thanks to people like you, we have lived in freedom since 1945; the greatest achievement of our constitutional state.”
Truus and Freddie were visibly surprised that it was Prime Minister Rutte who, in the presence of their immediate family, presented them with the awards. “Incredibly beautiful!” Freddie responded. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award from the Prime Minister.” Truus agreed: “I’m extremely honored. I see this as recognition of the role of women in the resistance.”
It is almost impossible to comprehend ...
Extraordinary courage
“From our perspective,” Rutte continues, “it’s hard to fathom how two Haarlem teenagers found the courage to join the resistance at the beginning of the war.” Mayor Bernt Schneiders of Haarlem also came to The Hague for this special day. The women greatly appreciated this as well (“we always get kisses from him, too”). He got to know the women well at the annual Hannie Schaft commemorations on the last Sunday of November. Schneiders also praised their extraordinary deeds. “I don’t say it often, but I’m sure all of Haarlem is proud of you.”
The women were sixteen and fourteen years old when they joined the resistance. With their mother, they distributed pamphlets and posters in Haarlem. Later, they became involved in the armed resistance against the German occupiers. The Oversteegen sisters performed important courier work for the Resistance Council. They transported illegal printed matter and weapons and escorted Jewish children to hiding places. Later, the resistance sisters were actively involved in sabotage and attacks. In this, Truus and Freddie worked closely with Hannie Schaft.
The Mobilization War Cross
The Mobilization War Cross is intended for those who performed (military) duties in the interest of the Kingdom during World War II. Designed by Frans Smits, the award features a bronze cross with four arms shaped like sword points. Two daggers are depicted across the arms. In the center of the cross is a Dutch helmet adorned with a laurel branch. On the back of the cross is the inscription: “Den Vaderlant Ghetrouwe” (Faithful Fatherland).
In close collaboration with the municipality of Haarlem, the Foundation’s board took the initiative a year ago to honor the women with this exceptionally high distinction. The medal is rarely awarded these days. Prime Minister Rutte called the presentation of the award “no less than an act of historical justice” and “a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.”
“This makes my job something very special”
Jeroen Pliester, chairman of the Foundation, thanked Rutte for his efforts. He spoke on behalf of the Oversteegen sisters, saying they were grateful, not only for themselves but also as examples for young people. Afterward, Prime Minister Rutte said on Radio 1 that he had been incredibly excited about this day. He also said he was incredibly proud to present this award. “This makes my job something very special.”
After the special day, after the 8 o’clock news had aired, the family expressed that the sisters were very tired, but that they felt it was a wonderful tribute that had deeply touched them.