WWII symposia held in Australia and the United States
This year signifies the 80th anniversary of the Pacific’s World War II conclusion, a significant event in world history.
Both Renée’s cousin COL(Ret) Bernard L. DeKoning MD, FAAFP, United States Army and her held a speech for this special occasion. They were located on opposite sides of the globe. She was in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, while he was in Columbia, South Carolina, in the USA.
Symposium Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Brisbane played a crucial role as a major Allied headquarters during the war, yet its international contributions remain under-recognised.
In honour of this milestone, the Camp Columbia Heritage Association, in conjunction with over twenty national and international organisations and with the support of the Netherlands Government and the University of Queensland, presented this exceptional International Symposium in Brisbane, Queensland.
Impact of the war we commemorated in this Symposium
By Renée Belloni
The following quote displays so well the impact of the war we commemorate today in this symposium.
“And once the storm is over,
You don’t remember how you got through it,
How you managed to survive.
You’re not even sure
If the storm is really over.
One thing is certain.
When you come out of the storm,
You will not be the same person
Who came in.
That’s what the storm is about.”
Author Haruki Murakami, from his book “Kafka on the Shore.”
We extend our gratitude to Louise, Renée’s sister, for the video recording of Renée’s speech.
Bottom line of Renée's speech
By Renée Belloni
The bottom line is.
This storm displays, the human spirit is near unbreakable.
The strength, perseverance, and ability to recover shown by the former POWs, proves, how people can overcome the worst things imaginable.
Let us be inspired by their stories to deal with our own difficulties with inner strength.
I appreciate your attention. Thank you.
Ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina, USA
This ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific took place on the 2nd of September 2025 at the State Capitol Building in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. The speech of COL(Ret) Bernard L. DeKoning MD, FAAFP, United States Army was held at the front of the building in front of the statue of George Washington.
We extend our gratitude to COL (Ret) DeKoning. He referenced both of Renée’s books in his speech, the one in Dutch and in English. The books were shown on a table, alongside the food container that Mr. van der Linden, the grandfather of COL (Ret) DeKoning, used when he was a prisoner of war. (A food container is called a “Rantang” in Indonesian).
Many thanks to Ken Konecki for both producing this video and providing a transcript of the speech of COL (Ret) DeKoning.
Video of the speech of COL (Ret) DeKoning during the ceremony
