Je Maintiendrai

Je Maintiendrai

Je Maintiendrai is the Dutch national motto. It means I shall maintain. The motto is inscribed on the badge of the Orde van Oranje Nassau - that is, the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau.  This order was originally established in 1892 and is used today to honor both military and civilian individuals for contributions to their country.

Fittingly, Fenny Heemskerk was Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

In a nation of chess-players, Fenny Heemskerk stood head and shoulders above most. 

She won the female Dutch Championships ten times:  1937, 1939, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 and 1961.

In 1949-50 she was a challenger for the Women's World Championship

She played in the First Women's Chess Olympiad at Emmen in 1957 - but, sadly, had to withdraw after only 2 days upon learning her father had died.

WIM Fenny Heemskerk was born in Amsterdam on December 3, 1919.

She died last week - June 9, 2007 - at age 87.