Rotterdam thanks every citizen by name for fending off the coronavirus crisis

Rotterdam's citizens made it possible for the city to get through the hardest times of the pandemic

After over a year and a half of social isolation, limitations on economic and leisure activities and unmeasurable grief caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we, Europeans, can safely say that the worst is finally behind us. The same goes for Rotterdam, which with over 68% of fully vaccinated individuals over 18 years of age, is steadily advancing towards the goal of herd immunity.

Fending off the coronavirus crisis has been possible only with the help of each and every resident, the authorities believe. That is why they decided to honour each of them, by name, with a special installation.

They installed three sea containers at key city locations, where each of the residents of Rotterdam can see their names on the honourable list, containing 123,000 unique names.

Only Rotterdammers can make Rotterdam stronger

The sea containers were placed to thank Rotterdammers, to support them and to honour the many beautiful initiatives that happened during the pandemic time.

Alderman Roos Vermeij quoted on the municipal website, commented on the initiative in the following way: “The past eighteen months have been intense. Rotterdammers have had a hard time, have lost loved ones, have been in uncertainty. And even now that society is allowed to open again, the pain is really far from over.

But one thing is certain: Rotterdammers have dragged each other and the city through this period... Let them be an inspiration for the whole city. Because only Rotterdammers can make Rotterdam stronger.”

The containers are part of a wider campaign, started by Rotterdammers for Rotterdammers in September. In that, each citizen could make a poster online with a cheering message or thank someone for their help in critical times.

Now, the containers come as a follow-up, symbolising the resilience of the port city. Names are distributed by alphabetical order across the three objects and every citizen can find his or hers there.

Moreover, other than the symbolic gesture, there is a giveaway associated with the campaign: everyone who takes a picture and shares it on social media with the hashtag #RotterdamSterkerDoor will play to win a tourist pass. With the pass, they can rediscover the city and visit all the beautiful places that had to close their doors during the pandemic.