Boerkoel and medals of honor

This page is about a number of Dutch Boerkoelen, which have been honored with a medal of honor for special merit.

In the Netherlands, two main types of official medals of honor are awarded: royal decorations as symbolic recognition for personal, special contributions to society, and government decorations for services rendered in the national interest. A royal decoration is often presented on the King's birthday, a ceremony known as the "Lintjesregen" (Ribbon Rain). However, such a royal decoration is also often presented at other times, for example, during a farewell, retirement, or other official occasion. A decoration awarded for services rendered in the national interest can also be presented posthumously. A royal decoration should generally be returned after death, subject to certain restrictions.

One member of the Boerkoel family received a medal of honor for their exceptional contribution to the national interest. Four members of the Boerkoel family received a royal decoration for personal, special contributions to society. They are listed below in chronological order of the awarding of the respective medal.

Special mention of Willem Johannes Boerkoel (born 1917). At the beginning of World War II, Willem Johannes was a conscript sergeant in the 3rd Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Infantry Regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army. During the German attack on the Netherlands in May 1940, he was seriously wounded defending the Grebbeberg Line. He was transported to the hospital in Arnhem but died there from his wounds. He is listed on the Roll of Honor established by the House of Representatives of the States General for those who fell in the years 1940-1945. In 1948, Willem Johannes was posthumously awarded the War Memorial Cross with the clasp for exceptional military action, with the inscription "Netherlands May 1940." A memorial column commemorating all the fallen, including Willem Johannes, stands at the Grebbeberg military cemetery near Rhenen. For further information, please visit www.oorlogsbronnen.nl or the reports at www.grebbeberg.nl, using the example at https://www.grebbeberg.nl/index.php?page=verslag-van-vaandrig-h-h-elzas

By Royal Decree of December 23, 1955, it was established that Hendrik Jacobus Boerkoel would be awarded the Medal of Honor of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Hendrik Jacobus was a landscape gardener for the municipality of Utrecht, having begun his career there at the age of 21. He was also a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. This church was the first church in Utrecht specifically built as a Reformed Church, hence the name "Nieuwe Kerk" (New Church). He dedicated himself so much to this community in a special and distinguished way that he was recognized with this medal of honor. He was an Order Commissioner in this New Church of the Dutch Reformed Church in Utrecht.

During a festive ceremony, Rie retired as executive secretary of the Association of Flower Bulb Traders, having reached retirement age. She had worked professionally and with exceptional dedication for 45 years. She was also active for many years as secretary and president of several church choirs, as well as in Sunday school work.

Throughout his life, Jan Dirk, as a minister of the Reformed Church, dedicated himself to this organization and its members. He served as a minister at the Rehoboth Church in Watergraafsmeer near Amsterdam, and later in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde.

At the age of 70, he retired from his ministry as a minister in the West-IJsselmonde congregation near Rotterdam on July 5, 1959. He also received this medal of honor for his services. He has numerous publications to his name. Several stories about his personality are also circulating.

After 1994, the Order of Orange-Nassau Medal of Honor was replaced by the Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Bronze, silver, or gold medals were no longer mentioned.

Kees Boerkoel received this award in 1999 upon his retirement as a Labour Party (PvdA) council member for the municipality of Soest. Kees was also active in local sports clubs for many years, serving as chairman of the indoor tennis club and board member, as well as the youngest chairman of the local football club SO Soest.