This year, a wreath was laid again by Willem-Alexander and Máxima.
Last night, on May 4, we in the Netherlands again reflected on the victims who fell during the Second World War and during other war situations and peace operations. Like every year, the National Commemoration was held on Dam Square, where Willem-Alexander and Máxima also laid a wreath.
National Remembrance Day
As soon as the clock struck 8 p.m., it became quiet throughout the Netherlands, out of respect for those who gave their lives for freedom. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, Mayor Femke Halsema and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were present at the National Commemoration on Dam Square.
Just before the trumpet signal announced the two minutes of silence, the royal couple laid the first wreath on behalf of the entire Dutch population.
Image: NL Image
Freedom tells
The theme of this year’s commemoration was Freedom tells: prelude to 80 years of freedom. Many impressive stories were told by relatives of war victims, and Mayor Halsema also gave a speech. In it she emphatically appealed to continue to cherish and preserve peace. “By always standing up against anti-Semitism, against any form of hatred and discrimination. By cherishing our fundamental rights, just like the free press and our democracy.”
It seems that this call from Halsema is also related to the preparations for the National Commemoration. This year, fewer people were allowed to be present on Dam Square due to increased social tensions. This gave the police more room to intervene if necessary and there was also less chance of oppression. Ultimately, ‘only’ 4,400 people attended the commemoration.
Other commemorations
In addition to the ceremony on Dam Square, commemorations were also organized in other places in the country. And members of the royal family were also present. For example, Princess Margriet, Prof. Pieter van Vollenhoven and Prince Pieter-Christiaan attended the National Military Remembrance Day, which was held at the Grebbeberg Military Cemetery in Rhenen. Here, specific attention is paid to the Dutch professional soldiers and conscripts who have fallen since 1940 – anywhere in the world.
Source: NOS, Blauw Bloed, archive | Image: NL Image / Patrick van Emst
