Pictured here is Willemien Rieken. She was only 9 years old when she first began laying flowers on the grave of William Edmond, a British soldier who fought and died to liberate her Dutch Village. From the day he died, and for 75 years, she looked after his grave and kept his memory alive. During WWII, William served with the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron and took part in the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands. Sadly, on September 17, 1944, he was shot in the back by a German sniper and fell to the ground. One of his comrades, St David Christie, rushed to his aid, but nothing could be done to save William. Seconds before dying, he said to David: "Tell my wife I love her." This British soldier was then buried at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Willemien Rieken passed away in 2020. She was one of the last surviving Flower Children, young people who laid flowers at hundreds of graves of Allied casualties in a ceremony after the end of the war. Niall Cherry, secretary of the Arnhem 1944 Fellowship, said: "She was one of the last surviving Dutch civilian links to the Battle of Arnhem. Willemien was a lovely lady who tended to the grave of Trooper Edmund for many years. She will be sadly missed."
47 of the most haunting photos from history historydefined.net/47-haunting-ph…
Way back in the 1990's I came across one of these people, it amazed me they still cared after all these years, and were so thankful that the allies had liberated them from the Nazi's. Amazing people with big hearts. -- Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38-39; Luke 10:27 ;Acts 17:22-34 ;Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53 God wants no peace with sin. He sent His Son to die in our place( Psalm 2, Psalm 110, Isaiah 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21 ). He rose again from the dead to prove He has the power over death and then God poured out the Holy Spirit on us so that we may know Him personally. Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 1 John 1:7 (KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:8 (KJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:10 (KJV) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Psam 51, Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We have peace with God and ourselves by the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Colossians 1:20 (KJV) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:21 (KJV) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Moral Clarity: Matthew Ch. 5-7; Romans Ch. 1-3; The Books of Psalms and Proverbs Titus 2:11 (KJV) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Titus 2:12 (KJV) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 3:4 (KJV) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 3 John 1:11 (KJV) Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Matthew 22:37 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:39 (KJV) And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
@fasc1nate She knew what honor is.
In 2013, in Lake City, Florida, a mother named Ashlee Hammac helped her older son, Tucker, as he dealt with the loss of his baby brother. Following the heartbreaking passing of her infant son Ryan, Ashlee Hammac chose to incorporate a sandbox at Ryan's gravesite. She wanted Tucker to have happy memories of his brother, rather than associating the grave with sadness.
“My dad passed away when I was 16 from cancer. Before he died, he pre paid flowers so I could receive them every year on my birthday. Well, these are my 21st birthday flowers and the last I’ll receive. Miss you so much, Daddy.” 💜 The card reads: ‘Bailey, This is my last love letter to you until we meet again. I do not want you to shed another tear for me my baby girl for I am in a better place. You are and will always be the most precious jewel I was given. It is your 21st birthday and I want you to always respect your momma and stay true to yourself. Be happy and live life to the fullest. I will still be with you through every milestone, just look around and there I will be. I love you Boo Boo and Happy Birthday!!!! Daddy.’ Credit: Twitter/@SellersBailey