I myself was not there when Professor Cleveringa gave his protest speech. That day, 26 November 1940, is when we became what for me was the glory of Leiden: a bastion of freedom instead of a plaything for the occupier. And his audience understood him. We closed until Queen Wilhelmina could fully reopen the university in September 1945. We are still here. And if need be, a new Cleveringa will rise up to make sure it stays that way. That is why I love Leiden University and am proud to this day that I was able to serve as its Rector Magnificus.
