Netherlands holds somber memorial for MH17 victims

AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands on Monday held a somber and emotional memorial for the 298 people who died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over war-torn eastern Ukraine in July.
“What if the holiday had started a day later? What if the plane had been late? What if I wake up and realize it was all just a dream?” Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the memorial ceremony in Amsterdam, attended by 1,600 of the bereaved.
“But there is no what if? Only the harsh reality of 298 dead,” he told the ceremony, also attended by King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima, as 298 large candles burned in memory of the victims, two-thirds of them Dutch.
“They will not be forgotten, the beautiful, warm and touching memories are forever,” Rutte said, with flags flying at half-mast around the Netherlands.
Many of those killed on the flight were children, starting their summer holidays on the doomed Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur flight, and their classmates ceremoniously placed flowers among the candles.
Anton Kotte, who lost three relatives in the crash including his son, said the time since the disaster had been like riding a train that never stopped with the other bereaved.
“We didn’t know each other but we are partners in misfortune and we stare out the window,” said Kotte.
“Today the train has stopped, in Amsterdam. We have another chance to reflect. We wear white armbands with the words ‘We shall never forget you’,” he said.
Mourners from the different countries affected read out the names and ages of all those killed, in a ceremony broadcast live on Dutch television and radio, marked by musical performances by famous Dutch artists.
Gita Wiegel, 13, who lost her mother on the flight, said: “The idea that I wouldn’t see her for four weeks was awful, but this is so much more awful.” “My mother wanted the best for me, and that’s why I go on with my life, for her. I want her to be able to look down on me from above and be proud of me.” A trumpet rendition of The Last Post was followed by a minute’s silence.