On the edge of West-Terschelling, at the end of the Willem Barentsz quay, is the bronze Seamen's Monument. This statue represents all sailors from Terschellinger who have remained at sea over the centuries. After an investigation of more than 30 years, former sailor Ieme Smit determined that at least 1000 sailors never returned to their island since 1597. It is a statue of a sailor wife looking out to sea, waiting for the return of her loved ones. A memorial is held every year on a Saturday in October. The driving forces of the Committee for Seamen Commemoration Terschelling are Jan Berghuis and Maarten Harms. The commemorations often have a special theme. In 2014, for example, the First World War. First there is a memorial service and then wreaths are laid by the municipality, the Maritime Academy, the association of former students of the Maritime Academy, the rescue society KNRM, Rederij Doeksen, etc.. Students of the Maritime Academy act as flower and wreath bearers. For some years now, the pupils of the primary schools on the island have also been involved in the commemoration.
