26 April 2023

Paul van Vliet was an alumnus of the Leiden Law School where he studied from 1957-1963. He was talented, creative, and extremely driven. He made an impact not with law, but with his unique voice, sharp words, and beautiful song lyrics. He was committed to creating connections and concerned about the world and society.

As a student, he co-wrote the then frequently sung song Laat je zoon studeren (Let your son study) by the Leidsch Studenten Cabaret. The lyrics of this song are carved in a stone on the pavement near the Executive Office in the old UB on Rapenburg.
Other musical highlights were the songs Meisjes van dertien (Girls of thirteen) and Veilig achterop bij vader op de fiets (Safely on the back of father's bike). In 2008, he was awarded the Medal of Honour for Arts and Sciences by Queen Beatrix.
He was also an ambassador for Unicef for over 30 years and dedicated himself to helping children grow up safe and healthy. Last week on Tuesday, he died at the age of 87 in his hometown of The Hague. We will not forget him.