10 Royal awards

Mayor Roel Wever was out early to surprise 10 Heerlen residents with an award. They were visited in a place familiar to them, such as their homes or while doing volunteer work. And that visit did not go unnoticed. The mayor arrived in style; in a festively decorated van, complete with an accordionist! 

Following tradition, the newly-decorated were invited to the afternoon Orange Reception. They were received at the Town Hall. Here they were personally addressed in the presence of the college and former decorators. Finally, a glass was raised to the newly-decorated and to King Willem-Alexander.

Mayor Roel Wever:
"A royal decoration is a personal recognition and an honor. Each nomination comes from the community. As every year, I was greatly looking forward to the annual Rain of Ribbons. To the spontaneous reactions of the people when we surprise them. But also to the beautiful stories and touching moments during the presentation. These Heerlen people deserve to be put in the limelight."

An overview of the newly-decorated:

Member in the order of Orange-Nassau

• Mrs. A.M.F. (Annie) Moonen-Vondenhoff, 72 years old
• Mrs. J.M.H. (Fieny) Rijvers, 70 years old
• Mr. F.C.S. (Frederik) Beijk, 61 years old
• Mr. M.F.M. Michael (Giel) Verhaegh, 67 years old
• Mr. J.A.G. (John) Sauvé, 75 years old
• Mr. L.M. (Lei) Moonen, 73 years old
• Mrs. A.M.A. (Mia) Conemans-Bemelmans, 81 years old
• Mr. P.H.J. (Peter) Sak, 73 years old
• Mr. T. (Theo) Elzinga, 87 years old

Knight of the order of Orange-Nassau

• Mr. R. (Roelof) Braad, 74 years old