PSV officially opened the Memorial Site at the Philips Stadium on Sunday prior to its final home game of the season. With this opening, a long-cherished wish of supporters has been given a permanent place at the stadium.
Prior to the match, supporters, relatives, those involved and representatives of the club gathered at the Memorial on Frederiklaan. During a subdued ceremony, PSV stood together to reflect on the supporters who have passed away.
PSV general manager Marcel Brands addressed those present and stressed the importance of a permanent place where supporters can remember together and stay connected to those who always carried PSV in their hearts.
Laurel leaf
Central to the ceremony was the ritual surrounding the laurel leaf. Relatives could have an engraved laurus leaf included in the memorial, bearing the name of a dear PSV supporter. Near the gate of the Memorial is the EST 1913 tomb, which is opened exclusively during the annual commemoration around the memorial match in December. During the opening ceremony, the tomb was opened for the first time. In doing so, the Philips family placed the first laurel leaf, after which relatives were given the opportunity to add their own leaf.
The opening of the Memorial also marks the start of a new annual moment within the club. Around the memorial match in December, supporters and club will from now on pause here together to remember those who PSV always carried in their hearts.
The memorial spot was realized on the initiative of supporters, in cooperation with PSV, supporter groups and the Foundation PSV Eternal Faithful Fund.
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