In the Dutch town of Lunteren, located in the province of Gelderland, stands a historic and controversial structure known as the Muur van Mussert, or the Wall of Mussert. This imposing wall, which is eight letters long, holds a significant place in the country’s history as a remnant of the dark days of World War II.
The Muur van Mussert was built in the early 1940s under the direction of Anton Mussert, the leader of the National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands (NSB). Mussert envisioned the wall as a symbol of the party’s power and a place for large gatherings and rallies. The structure was intended to be a focal point for the NSB’s propaganda and to showcase their influence in Dutch society.
During the war, the NSB collaborated with the German occupation forces and supported their policies, including the persecution of Jews and other marginalized groups. The party’s extreme nationalist and anti-Semitic ideologies were reflected in the messages plastered on the wall, which glorified the NSB and its leader Mussert.
After the war ended and the NSB was disbanded, the Muur van Mussert fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten. In recent years, there have been discussions about what to do with the structure, as its presence serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in Dutch history. Some argue that the wall should be preserved as a historical monument, while others believe it should be demolished to erase any traces of the NSB’s influence.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Muur van Mussert, it remains a somber reminder of the impact of fascism and extremism in the Netherlands. Its existence prompts reflection on the importance of remembering and confronting the past to prevent similar ideologies from taking hold in the future. Whether it stands as a monument or is removed, the wall serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of intolerance and hatred.