André van Duin about speech at Dam: ‘It has to be right and serious right away, that’s pretty exciting’ | Inland

“They were looking for someone who would appeal to a large audience for the Dam. I’ve been around for so many years that many people from different generations have heard of me. So familiarity, and no criminal record … But seriously, the former is important. A lot of people are watching, it should appeal to many. I was surprised. I’m from after the war, from ’47. At our home in Rotterdam it was not discussed. My father was arrested in a raid and had to work in Germany. But that was never a topic of conversation. Of course I asked about it. Then he said, “Oh boy, you don’t want to know.” That was it.

–