Started in 2006 with three men on a motorbike and initiated by former chaplain Jan Wolters of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the annual military motor pilgrimage to Lourdes has grown to approximately 40 to 50 participants. The group consists of war veterans and active service members, many of whom are often traumatised by their wartime experiences.

During this pilgrimage, the focus is on comradeship, coping, remembrance, and forgiveness. In Lourdes, the military motards experience a sense of inner calm and peace of mind.

I joined the group for the third time, riding my own motorcycle. This work was published on Veterans Day 2019 in the Dutch daily newspaper NRC Handelsblad.