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Dutch Remembrance Day Dutch Remembrance DayRemembrance Day and Liberation Day Backgrounder
Why May 4? The Netherlands has its own way of commemorating the Second World War and celebrating the country’s liberation from five years of occupation. Unlike most countries, the Netherlands sets aside two days to mark these events. The first is a day of solemn commemoration, the second a day of public rejoicing with the young at the centre of attention. After a day of looking back at the past, the nation turns its hopes to the future. On 4 and 5 May The Netherlands affirms its pledge to provide a haven for all its citizens. The Second World War left an indelible mark on the Dutch, who had remained neutral in the 1914-1918 war. Though memories of the Second World War are gradually fading, the this war still represents a watershed in our history. It continues to occupy our thoughts and conversations and remains a constant reminder of the fragility of civilisation and democracy. Liberation Germany occupied the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. The number of people still alive who survived the war, has obviously declined. By 2000, they formed no more than 20 percent of the population. Yet memories of that darkest period of our history live on. Most people are deeply aware of the years of Occupation, the persecution of Jews, Roma, Sinti and other minority communities in our society, and the destruction of Dutch towns and villages. It took almost a year – from September 1944 until 15 August 2024 – for Allied forces to liberate all the territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Freedom finally came the same day Japan capitulated when freedom was restored to the Dutch East Indies (now the Republic of Indonesia). Hence, different parts of the country celebrate their liberation at different times of the year. But on 4 and 5 May, the entire country unites to observe a day of remembrance followed by a day of celebration. A unique tradition Since the end of the Second World War, the Dutch have observed 4 May as a day of reflection, a day to honour the victims of war. At eight o’clock in the evening the country unites in commemorating the civilians and members of the armed forces who lost their lives in the Second World War. Unlike most countries, the Netherlands does not mark the occasion with large military parades. People all over the country gather at war memorials in their own communities and at the stroke of eight the entire country observes a two-minute silence. All these events are broadcast live on television and radio. National ceremony
For all who lost their lives
The close of the Remembrance Day ceremony signals the start of Liberation Day festivities commemorating Germany’s capitulation on 5 May 1945. War veterans gather in Wageningen, where the historic documents were signe, and parade through the city in celebration of the anniversary of regained liberty. 5 May is a national holiday. The solemnity of Remembrance Day gives way to joyful celebration. The only other national holiday in The Netherlands is the Queen’s official birthday, celebrated on 30 April. Celebrations
A source of inspiration
National 4 and 5 May Committee The Dutch government established the National 4 and 5 May Committee, in which four government ministries are represented. The committee is responsible for organising the Remembrance Day memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony, and the events marking the official beginning and end of Liberation Day. It also coordinates the 13 liberation festivals and runs projects to inform youngsters about the significance of these two occasions and encourage them to take part in the activities. One such project is the distribution of a book for 11-year-olds about the war and the liberation of the Netherlands. There is also an annual poetry competition for secondary school students. The winner receives the honour of reciting his or her poem at the wreath-laying ceremony in Dam Square. Similar projects highlighting the themes of war and peace are carried out all over the country. The committee campaigns to ensure that all activities to mark 4 and 5 May focus on a single theme. Looking to the future
Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
War and resistance museums and documentation centres:
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