Árdís - 01.01.1964, Page 45

Arsrit Bcmdalags lúterskra kvenna
43
The Dutch People — Through
The Eyes Of a Pilgrim
KRISTIN S. BENEDICTSON
When I was asked to write a short article for “Ardis”, on our
pilgrimage to the Netherlands last fall, my decision was to dedicate
it to the Dutch people in general, as my write-up on the tour had
been requested by another paper.
These pilgrimages are sponsored by the Netherlands Wargraves
Committee, and the Royal Canadian Legion of Ottawa, acting as
agents in Canada, and carrying on extensive correspondence, and
encouragement through the years. The money is raised by the sale
of poppies, by the Dutch people every Fall, to pay for the trans-
portation in part, while everything else is free to the pilgrims on
the tour.
I had been interested in these pilgrimages from the first I
heard of them and felt that they would bring comfort to the next
of kin and perhaps be pleasing to our departed loved ones.
The people that adopted Allan’s grave have corresponded with
me, since 1946, and have done everything in their power to bring
comfort and express the appreciation of their country. I, therefore,
felt I would not be stranger in their country, which is the only
one in the world, as far as I know, to sponsor these pilgrimages.
The Second Pilgrimage to Holten, from Canada, began October
6, 1963. There were 79 pilgrims from 8 provinces, the largest num-
ber being from Ontario, 5 from Manitoba—all strangers to begin
with, and 4 former Canadians from U.S.A. We all met at the huge
Dorval Airport in Montreal, and waited in the lounge, where we
met some of the pilgrims, and had lunch. As we all had identifica-
tion tags—names were no problem, and getting acquainted seemed
so easy, when you are headed for the same goal.
We boarded the waiting chartered Royal Dutch (K.L.M.) plane
at 9:30 p.m. After being escorted to our seats, we were presented
with useful gifts for our comfort and convenience, and made to
feel at home. That the Atlantic was far below us, did not seem to