War tragedy remembered for local reader

Re: Times of Dec. 13 “On This Day”, Dec. 13, 1938 “Neuengamme Concentration Camp opens in Germany” 

That brings sad memories, my cousin Marinus DenOudsten, born July 14, 1924 in the Netherlands, died Dec. 29, 1944 in Camp Neuengamme due to slave labour and malnutrition. Marinus was in hiding as so many age 18 and up young people did, for refusing to work for the enemy in Germany. He was caught by the Nazies and sent to that Camp and died there. My parents and many others also became home for these young people. I remember the young man that stayed at our place, especially when we all celebrated our freedom in May 1945 when the Canadian Army troops entered our town, Opperdoes. Marinus was one of many who died for our freedom. So sadly, it seems that these wars never seem to stop due to power and hate. Yet now we can celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, in the end of the day He will set free all those who come to Him.   

Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year.   

Hans Visser, Taber