The Bow, War memorial monument in Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Bow is a monument in Rotterdam that rises 46 meters high, featuring aluminum plates forming a ship's bow shape at its peak. The structure stands on brown stone waves at Leuvehaven quay, visible both from the waterfront and from street level.
The monument was built in 1956 to honor 3,375 Dutch and Allied merchant marine sailors who died during World War II. It was raised after the war as recognition of sailors who worked under dangerous conditions at sea.
Five bronze figures added in 1965 depict a helmsman, three sailors, and a person lost at sea, connected by a rope at the base. These figures tell the story of people whose work on the water shaped the city's maritime identity.
The monument stands at Leuvehaven quay and is easily visible from Coolsingel street and from the water approaches to Rotterdam harbor. Visitors can reach it on foot and view it from multiple angles around the site.
The inscription 'Zij hielden koers' on the base translates to 'They stayed the course' and reflects the determination of merchant marine sailors. This phrase captures how these sailors continued their work despite great dangers.
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