Toespraak minister Harbers bij uitreiking van de Ruytermedaille

Op 25 oktober 2023 reikte minister Harbers (IenW) de Ruytermedaille (Koninklijke onderscheiding voor zeevarenden) uit aan 2  kapiteins. Ze werden in ontvangst genomen door hun vrouwen, omdat beide kapiteins op zee zitten. De vrouw van kapitein Feshchenko was er speciaal voor overgekomen uit Oekraïne. ‘Today, I have the privilege of awarding the Ruyter Medal, which is no ordinary decoration. It is named after Michiel de Ruyter, the Netherlands' most renowned naval hero from the Golden Age.’ ‘This ceremony is a little different than usual, because the two captains being decorated today, cannot be here in person. They are both at sea. But behind every great man is a great women. So I am very happy that Miss Feshchenko and Miss Bijsterbosch are here to do the honours. Since we are recording this celebration, I will first address the captains directly.’