King attends presentation of Geuzenpenning 2025

King Willem Alexander attends the presentation of the Geuzenpenning in Schiedam

His Majesty the King attended the presentation of the Geuzenpenning to the Ukraine 5 AM Coalition on Thursday afternoon, March 13, 2025. The presentation took place in the Grote or Sintjanskerk (Great Church) in Schiedam.

Beggars' Medal for Ukraine 5 AM Coalition

The Ukraine 5 AM Coalition, a coalition of volunteers, is committed to uncovering the truth about the atrocities committed as a result of the war since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. By awarding this distinction, the Geuzenpenning Foundation expresses its appreciation for the courageous and socially relevant work of the Ukraine 5 AM Coalition.

750 years of Schiedam

In 2025, it will be 750 years since Schiedam received city rights from Aleida of Holland. From March 18th to the end of September 2025, we will celebrate Schiedam's history with a program full of activities for and by all Schiedam residents. At the same time, we will focus on the future of this vibrant and colorful city. We look ahead together. Our motto is "Schiedam celebrates the future!"

Who were the Geuzen?

The Geuzen were the first resistance fighters in World War II. They rose up against the German occupiers immediately after the war began. The Geuzen Resistance took its militant name from the historical Geuzen of the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) who fought in the name of the House of Orange against the Spanish. We still celebrate their victory in grand style in Leiden (on October 3rd with herring and hutspot) and Den Briel.

The Geuzen in Vlaardingen and Schiedam

The Geuzen (Beggars) are an important part of the city history of Vlaardingen and Schiedam. In 2023, Vlaardingen celebrated the 750th anniversary of receiving city rights from Count Floris V of Holland, and this year Schiedam celebrates its 750th anniversary.

The Geuzen were the first resistance group in the Netherlands in 1940. The group was formed on May 15, 1940, by teacher Bernard IJzerdraat. To honor the Geuzen, IJzerdraat's former home on Vlaardingerdijk was illuminated on the day the Geuzen Medal was awarded.

Annual presentation of the Geuzenpenning

Since 1987, the Geuzenpenning Foundation has awarded an annual Geuzenpenning to contemporary freedom fighters and human rights activists to honor their work and support their commitment to democracy and the fight against dictatorship. The foundation was established by former Dutch resistance fighters who were active in World War II. Its goal is to maintain and promote democracy in the Netherlands and to increase vigilance against all forms of dictatorship, discrimination, and racism.

Donors

As a donor to the Geuzenpenning Foundation, MAES notaries wholeheartedly supports the annual presentation of the Geuzenpenning.

Schiedam Celebrates 750 is made possible by the municipality of Schiedam, the Schiedam Vlaardingen e.o. Fund, the De Groot Fund, the Official Partners Nolet Distillery, Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, and DSW Healthcare Insurer, as well as many other sponsors and partners. And, of course, all the people of the city who are developing initiatives for the anniversary year.