Henk has a special uncle: Gerard Slotboom the drummer. Gerard has Down's syndrome. That's why Gerard has to stay in the background, you never know with the Germans After the war, that is different. Gerard is then 20 and
because he can drum like no one else, the postman, the children, the police, and the mayor all know him. From students he gets a real drum.

At the baker's he drums for a couple of rolls, at the butcher a piece of sausage and a cake from the Patisserie. He never wants money. He is also prominent as Prince
Bernhard takes the salute at the parade on May 5. Gerard is pleased when he gets a handshake from the prince.

Henk celebrates the liberation in Wekerom on May 5, 1945. lt is a happy parade with flags, orange bows and orange hats. lnitially Henk's best friend Henk Ít/ulder and his sisters did not participate because their father had cooperated with the Germans. But Henk's father says that these children could not help what their father did and they also got an orange cap and flag. Henk is happy to be able
to do it: it is not a party for him without his friend Henk Mulder.
Photo: Ring-riding during a liberation party. Henk's mother, Gerritje Slotboom, is on the wheelbarrow.