Amsterdam Day 281: Remembrance Day and Liberation Day

Today we participated in the remembrance of the German occupation during World War II.  It appears that all of the Dutch participate publicly in that remembrance.  The main event is the moment of silence where the country shuts down at 8pm.  Cars and bikes pull over to the side of the road.  Trains and busses stop.  And people gathered at war monuments even in the smallest cities remain quiet. for 2 whole minutes.  The main ceremony in Amsterdam is broadcast on TV which is where we decided to participate this year.  Remember, I have a 3 year and I don't think that there has been a waking moment of his life where he has been quiet for 2 minutes at a time.  All I have to say is that it was a very moving cermony, and I hope to be able to participate live at one of the monuments next year.

Here is more information about this two day holiday if you would like to learn more.


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 center of attention.

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, it still represents a watershed in Dutch history and continues to occupy thoughts and conversations, remaining 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 lived through the war has obviously declined. By 2000, they formed no more than 20 percent of the population. Yet many are still deeply aware of the years of Occupation, the persecution of Jews, Roma, Sinti and other minority communities in Dutch society, and the destruction of Dutch towns and villages. They are also aware of the liberation.

It took almost a year for Allied forces to liberate all the territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from September 1944 until 15 August 1945, the date on which Japan capitulated. 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.

Remembrance Day (4 May)

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.

A national ceremony is held in Amsterdam, with a memorial service in the historic Nieuwe Kerk in Dam Square, followed by the laying of wreaths at the foot of the national war memorial. The ceremony is attended by His Majesty the King, members of parliament and people from more than 100 organisations representing the different groups in society who were affected by the war. After the two-minute silence, wreaths are laid at the foot of the national monument in Dam Square. The ceremony is broadcast live on television so that millions of people all over the country can take part in the solemnities.

Remembrance Day is a tribute to all Dutch victims of war. Special honour is paid to civilians and to members of the armed forces who fell in the Second World War, and to all Dutch nationals who have lost their lives since, in other wars or in peacekeeping operations. Three special wreaths are placed for civilians who died in Europe in 1940-1945: one for members of the Resistance, one for victims of persecution, and one for civilian casualties. A separate wreath is laid for those who fell in Asia, and another for the servicemen and merchant marine crews who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Liberation Day (5 May) 

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 signed, and parade through the city in celebration of the anniversary of liberty regained. Liberation Day is a national holiday. The solemnity of Remembrance Day gives way to joyful celebration.

Special Liberation Day events are organised all over the country. Two highlights of the day are the official launch of the celebrations - held in a different part of the country each year - and the open-air concert to mark their conclusion. Many local authorities organise special events for their own communities, and thirteen liberation festivals are held in different regions of the country, featuring both Dutch and international artists.

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.

This information was provided by the British Society of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.