This unusual letter was written by a 22 year old Dutch boy just before he and three companions were shot to death, on 27th February, by a German firing squad. Kees and his friends were captured while attempting to escape from Holland to join the Dutch forces in Britain and for “assisting the enemy,” were sentenced to death by a German Military Court.—Excerpt from The Presbyterian Guardian, 1942.
Dear Father,
It is difficult for me to write this letter to you, but I have to tell you that the military court has pronounced a very heavy sentence.
Read this letter alone, and then tell mother carefully.
When I wrote you before, on the 14th February, we already knew that we had been condemned to death. But I could not find courage to write you this because I didn’t want you to go through the same time of tension. An appeal for mercy, sent in our behalf to Paris, was denied, although we thought we stood a good chance because our case was not, after all, a crime.
I do not say a time of “fear,” for fortunately, it hasn’t been that. I have been able to pray much and have the firm conviction that I may look forward to a death in Christ.
In a little while, at five o’clock, it is going to happen and that is not so terrible. It is, after all, only one moment and then I shall be with God—no more terrible miseries and the sadness of this earth. Is that, after all, such a dreadful transition? On the contrary, it is beautiful to be in God’s strength.
God has told us that He will not forsake us if only we pray to Him for support. I feel so strongly my nearness to God, I am fully prepared to die. I hope that will be a consolation to you.
I know quite well that it is horrible. We are still so young. But God knows that our cause was a just one. I think it is much worse for you than for me, because I know that I have confessed all my sins to Him and have become very quiet. Therefore do not mourn, but trust in God and pray for strength.
Mother, dear mother, let me embrace you. Forgive me any wrong I may have done. Do not cry, darling. Be courageous. You still have children left — unlike Mrs. L. I know that I will see you all again. One last tender kiss from your son, Kees.
Father, forgive me too. Be strong in your belief which I know you have, like mother. Do not mourn, but thank God that we may have the certainty of His grace. Do not say: “Because you are gone peace can be no joy for us any more,” because after all, I gave my life for my country, as so many are doing at this time. Give me a firm handshake. God’s will be done.
Jan, Bep, El and Fien — greetings to you all. Be strong and pray to God for fortitude. Believe in Him and He will make everything come right. Be good to father and mother. Many kisses from your brother, Kees. Greet my little brothers and sisters; maybe they won’t understand it so well yet, but teach them too, to believe.
Greet everybody for the four of us. My sincere thanks for all they ever did for me.
We are courageous. Be the same. They can only take our bodies. Our souls are in God’s hands. That should be sufficient consolation.
I am going — until we meet again in a reunion which will be so much happier. May God bless you all.
Have no hate. I die without hatred. God rules everything.
Kees.