ABN AMRO commemorates over 300 fallen colleagues of World War II
- Art & heritage
During World War II, more than three hundred colleauges of ABN AMRO’s predecessors lost their lives as a result of acts of war, the persecution of Jews, forced labour or resistance activities. The bank has commemorated them every year since 1947, and does so again today.
During the ceremony, attended by more than hundred colleagues, CEO Marguerite Bérard honoured the colleagues who lost their lives. She paused to reflect on the courage it takes to fight for freedom:
‘’Again and again, it is ordinary people – people with normal lives – who make the difference. Sometimes by doing very small things, sometimes by rising to exceptional circumstances. As long as there are people who do that, there is hope. As long as we keep telling their stories, there is hope.’’
Michiel Lap, our new Chair of the Supervisory Board, also hold a speech. He stressed that remembrance not only about looking back:
''It's also about the values by which we live today. The responsibility to protect our ideals, to give one another the courage to hold on to what is right.''