The Alchemy of a Flame – by René van Nieuwkuijk
In 1999, a fire was lit in Wales with flames from seven continents as a symbol of peace and brotherhood. The live flames had been flown over in aircraft of the Ministry of Defence. A miner’s lamp lit with this fire was carried over the 136 kilometers of the Walk of Wisdom in seven days from September 19. René van Nieuwkuijk carried the flame across the bridge together with a veteran of the Dutch army.
September 20th, 1944
The 82nd Airborne Division carried out a military operation near Nijmegen on the west side of the former village of Lent. This action was part of Operation Market Garden and aimed to capture both the road bridge and the railway bridge in the Arnhem Nijmegen railway line. 48 Allied soldiers were killed.
19 October 2014
A modest group of members of Veterans Overbetuwe starts a special ritual: a daily march at sunset in commemoration of the fallen soldiers of September 20, 1944. The new bridge over the Waal, De Oversteek, derives its name from this event. With the artwork Lights Crossing by Atelier Veldwerk, these young heroes are honored. With the ritual of these veterans, this work of art gets an extra charge, giving it a very penetrating and impressive appearance. Especially because of the respectful modesty with which this is carried out on a daily basis.
21 June 2015
In the Stevenskerk in Nijmegen, the opening ritual of the Walk of Wisdom, a contemporary pilgrimage route, independent of a particular religion, takes place.
25 September 2015
The rituals mentioned above are connected to each other. During the Peace Week, the Peace Flame makes the 136 km route of the Walk of Wisdom; The flame is passed on to each other by almost 48 individuals and representatives of organizations in relay. She also passes the Crossing in my hand.
I, René and involved in the Walk of Wisdom , accompany Henk, the veteran who performs the Lights Crossing march that day. Behind us are about 48 people who accompany the peace walk in respectful, silent attention.
In 2 times 48 lanterns
From complete strangers
to friends of peace.
During this march, Henk mentions the name of one of the 48 of yesteryear, with the age listed, all between 18 and 29 years young. I experience this as a kind of litany of all saints. I keep seeing the 2 pairs of lanterns turn on. We 2 runners of 2 rituals. 2 pairs of lanterns. Friendship was born.
I met Henk as a stranger at the start and said goodbye to him as a friend after this crossing. I have learned in my life that differences can lead to war. And that making a crossing together can make ‘the difference’; That difference is peace.
Could that be the reason why there are always pairs of lanterns; That those boys from back then have all gotten a friend in the present? The flame, the light that transforms difference into friendship?
René van Nieuwkuijk
