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The International Four Day Marches Nijmegen (or Vierdaagse) is the largest marching
event in the world. It is organized every year in Nijmegen in mid-July as a means of promoting sport and exercise. Participants
walk 30, 40 or 50 kilometers daily, and, on completion, receive a royally approved medal (Vierdaagsekruis). The participants are
mostly civilians, but there are also a few thousand military participants. Standard categories: 30 km x 4 days 40 km x 4 days 50 km x 4 days Military category: 40 km x 4 days - Wearing uniform + at least 10 kg backpack for persons ages 18 or over (+ water, etc.) 50 km x 4 days The medal is recognized by the Dutch and other European armies for wearing on uniform, however not by the IDF |
In the 1960s, Israeli soldiers were popular participants!
Israeli soldiers entering the town of
Nijmegen, near the finish of the 4 days of marching, 1967.
Note the soldier on the right with a medal of previous participation
IDF soldiers in a synagogue in Amsterdam, Netherlands after having taken part in the Four Days Marches of
Nijmegen.
Picture taken around 1955
IDF 4 Days Marches of 1957: Israeli soldier with medals of IDF and Dutch 4 Days Marches
Click to enlarge
More on this picture can be found here