The resistance plaques (Verzetsplaquettes) in Appingedam stand as a solemn tribute to the memory of six brave resistance fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice during the occupation while fiercely opposing the occupiers.
These are the names of the six fallen resistance fighters:
1. Derk Boerema, born on August 10, 1911, in Delfzijl. He was a dedicated member of the Zwaantje resistance group and also served in the intelligence service of the OD (the resistance's order service). Tragically, he was executed by the SD on June 21, 1944, in Utrecht.
2. Klaas Bos, born on January 7, 1897, in Sidderburen. An influential figure within the Communist Party in Appingedam, he shared a connection with Gerrit Raap and both were actively involved in the production of the clandestine publication 'Noorderlicht.' Klaas Bos was apprehended alongside Gerrit Raap and met his fate with a firing squad on February 28, 1942, on the Leusderhei.
3. Wieger van den Bos, born on June 1, 1900, in Beetsterzwaag. Although his role in the resistance was somewhat indirect, Wieger van den Bos was not spared the cruelty of the occupiers and was executed by the SD on April 1, 1945, within the boundaries of Appingedam.
4. Aldert Klaas Dijkema, born on October 31, 1907, in Ten Boer. A dedicated member of the 't Zandt resistance group and actively involved in the activities of the LO (the national organization providing assistance to those in hiding), Aldert Klaas Dijkema faced a tragic end when he was executed by the SD on September 22, 1944, along the Rijksweg in Appingedam.
5. Gerrit Raap, born on April 7, 1904, in Appingedam. Another committed member of the Communist Party in Appingedam, Gerrit Raap played a significant role in the production and distribution of the underground newspaper 'Noorderlicht.' His valiant efforts led to his arrest by the SD in the early months of 1941, and he ultimately succumbed in the harsh conditions of the Bavarian concentration camp Dachau.
6. Pieter Veninga, born on October 11, 1904, in Berlicum. A member of the Zwaantje resistance group, Pieter Veninga, displayed remarkable courage. He chose to go into hiding when his fellow resistance members faced arrest. Nevertheless, he was discovered and apprehended, meeting his tragic end on January 25, 1945, within the confines of the Oranienburg concentration camp in Germany.
The inscription on the first plaque reads:
'1940-1945 D. BOEREMA W. VAN DEN BOS P. VENINGA A.K. DIJKEMA ZIJN VIELEN VOOR HUN OVERTUIGING.'
The inscription on the second plaque reads:
'G. RAAP K. BOS.'
