Started with three men on a motorbike in 2006 and initiated by former chaplain Jan Wolters of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the annual military motor pilgrimage to Lourdes has increased to approximately 40 to 50 participants. Consisting of war veterans or still serving. Often traumatised by their war experiences. During this pilgrimage it's all about comradeship, coping, remembrance and forgiveness. In Lourdes the military motards experience inner calm and peace of mind. I joined the group for the third time, riding my own bike. Published on Veterans' day 2019 in Dutch daily newspaper NRC Handelsblad.