Jan Smit (34) was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau this morning on behalf of His Majesty the King. This award was presented to him by Mayor Lieke Sievers of the municipality of Edam-Volendam for his outstanding service to Dutch music and his contributions to society, both within the Netherlands and beyond.
Jan has put Volendam on the map not only nationally, but also internationally in recent years. This appointment was also made possible by Jan's many voluntary contributions, including his role as ambassador for SOS Children's Villages, which he has now held for 21 years. Jan is the youngest person in the country to have been awarded this distinction.
Smit was taken from a prearranged meeting and brought to his home, where he was surprised by the mayor. All of this was done in accordance with the applicable RIVM guidelines.
"I am deeply moved and proud. I never expected this, especially given my age," said Jan Smit.
More about Jan Smit
Jan Smit (34) was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau this morning on behalf of His Majesty the King. This award was presented to him by Mayor Lieke Sievers of the municipality of Edam-Volendam for his outstanding service to Dutch music and his contributions to society, both within the Netherlands and beyond.
Jan has put Volendam on the map not only nationally, but also internationally in recent years. This appointment was also made possible by Jan's many voluntary contributions, including his role as ambassador for SOS Children's Villages, which he has now held for 21 years. Jan is the youngest person in the country to have been awarded this distinction.
Smit was taken from a prearranged meeting and brought to his home, where he was surprised by the mayor. All of this was done in accordance with the applicable RIVM guidelines.
"I am deeply moved and proud. I never expected this, especially given my age," said Jan Smit.