VeVa marcheert 2026

Filmed at the Witte Anjer Garden at Tempelplein, Sittard. VeVa students march from Roermond to Sittard for freedom, safety, and appreciation. On Tuesday, June 9, students from the Safety & Professionalism (VeVa) program at Vista College marched through Limburg during VeVa Marches 2026. With a 30-kilometer march from Roermond to Sittard, they drew attention to veterans, uniformed personnel, and their families. At the same time, the students raised money for the Hulp voor Helden Foundation. Official kick-off in Roermond The march started at 8:00 AM at the Veterans' Garden in Roermond. Prior to the march, the students were addressed by the Mayor of Roermond, who wished them success for the challenging march. Through their participation, the students demonstrated that freedom and safety are not to be taken for granted. During the march, they reflected on the meaning of service, solidarity, and the dedication of people who commit themselves to our society every day. "With this march, we want to show that freedom and safety are not to be taken for granted. That is why we are marching for the people who dedicate themselves to our society every day," said the students of Vista College. Part of a larger initiative VeVa Marcheert is a national initiative of the Hulp voor Helden Foundation and mobilizes thousands of VeVa students every year. The students are following a program that prepares them for a future within the Dutch Defence Forces or other security organizations. By participating in the march, they demonstrate their commitment to the people who dedicate themselves to peace, freedom, and safety. The Vista College march is part of a series of VeVa Marcheert activities in Limburg, in which students from Gilde Opleidingen also take action for veterans, uniformed personnel, and their families. “Freedom begins with safety. Without safety, you live in uncertainty and freedom is limited in daily life. With VeVa Marcheert, young people show that they want to take responsibility for our society,” said Ingrid Boots, director of the Hulp voor Helden Foundation. Parade through the center of Sittard Around 3:00 PM, the students arrived at the shooting fields in Sittard. Here, they had the opportunity to rest and freshen up before the final part of the program began. At 3:45 PM, the students departed from the shooting fields for a parade through the center of Sittard. Via the Markt, they walked to the Tempelplein, where they were received at 4:00 PM for the closing ceremony. Ceremony and presentation of the VeVa Marcheert coin During the ceremony at the Tempelplein, the students were addressed by Andries Houtakkers, Alderman of the Municipality of Sittard-Geleen, and a veteran of the Veterans Search Team. They reflected on the meaning of freedom, safety, and civic engagement. To conclude, all participating students received the special VeVa Marcheert coin as a memento of their achievement and commitment. The coins were presented by the attending Alderman and the veteran of the Veterans Search Team.