In 2014 we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the events in Rwanda. For the Veterans’ Institute, this anniversary is an opportunity to collect the testimonies given at the time, in light of the Remembrance. After all, the events in Rwanda are a part of our history.
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I know this invitation is meant well. Because we can keep what we collect. Like model trains or china, so why not "memories".
That this is how things were, I would say. And perhaps someone in the direction room decides to adjust the images, so that they are a perfect fit.
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I would like all of you to take this to heart. Life and death are serious matters. All things perish quickly. Always be awake. Always pay attention. Never be careless". [Ton Lathouwers]
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If someone asks me: how was it... , why did you..., I cannot give an answer. I can only imagine an answer today.
Somewhere along the way I decided to stop "remembering". It is my freedom of choice. I no longer know what is "true" or what I came up with afterwards in the past 20 years.
I do know that you and I are talking about it now. And that we have an opinion on it. Let this story be a reason to talk about it, but not the subject.
"We tell stories that are true and stories we wish to be true. We tell the facts known to us and tell our life myths, stories that reflect our deepest desires and dreams.
Whether our stories represent the facts or are made up or told by keeping silent, they are all stories about peace. And they are all true, because they reflect our view of ourselves and the world.
That is why we tell them to each other when we meet." [1]
I could also have started with model trains or china, but I might have lost you then.
[1] Glassman, B. (1998). Erkennen wat is: een zenleraar over vrede en engagement (Bearing Witness: a Zen teacher on peace and commitment). Rotterdam: Asoka bv