102.000 stones, War memorial in Hooghalen, Netherlands.
The 102,000 Stones memorial comprises stone blocks arranged in the shape of the Netherlands, representing people deported from Camp Westerbork. The field spreads across the former camp grounds, allowing visitors to grasp the scale of this historical tragedy.
The site functioned as a transit camp during World War II, from which over 100,000 people were deported eastward. The monument was built in 1992 to remember this dark period and preserve the names and stories of those who were lost.
The stones display different symbols that mark various victim groups: Stars of David for Jewish victims, flame symbols for Roma individuals, and plain stones for resistance fighters. These markings become visible as you walk through the field and make each person's story tangible.
The site is accessible to visitors and features accessible pathways for exploring the entire grounds. It is best to allow time to walk slowly through the stone fields and absorb the meaning of the place.
The height of each stone varies, symbolizing the individuality and uniqueness of every person remembered. This subtle variation draws visitors to look more closely and recognize the human reality behind the overall number.
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