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On May 4, the Netherlands commemorates and honors those who lost their lives during World War II on National Remembrance Day. This day is a time for reflection and remembrance of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers and civilians alike. The tradition of observing this day began in 1946, when two minutes of silence were observed to honor the victims of the war. Today, ceremonies are held all over the country, including at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam. It's a powerful and emotional day that brings people together to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom and peace.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>World War II ends in Europe after Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8th, marking a turning point in Dutch history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Remembrance Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Remembrance Day is held in the Netherlands, one year after the end of World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expanding Remembrance Scope</div><div class='timeline-text'>The scope of Remembrance Day widens to honor all Dutch victims of war around the world during and after World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Monument in Dam Square</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam is finished. This monument becomes the central location for National Remembrance Day ceremonies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Youth Participation Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>An initiative to involve young people in the ceremonies sparks contrast but eventually receive widespread approval, making the remembrance resonate with younger generations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusive Remembrance Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Remembrance Day ceremony expands its focus to include all war victims worldwide regardless of nationality, reflecting the Netherlands' commitment to universal human rights.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in with fellow citizens to pay tribute to the victims of World War II at a Remembrance Day ceremony. Many cities in the Netherlands hold ceremonies, including the national ceremony at Dam Square in Amsterdam.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war memorial or museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day reflecting on the sacrifices made during World War II by visiting a war memorial or museum. The Anne Frank House and the National Liberation Museum are popular options in the Netherlands.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in the two minutes of silence</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>At 8:00pm, the entire country observes two minutes of silence to remember the victims of World War II and those who have died in other conflicts. Take part in this powerful tradition and reflect on the importance of remembrance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a memorial display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather photos, stories, and other memorabilia to create a display honoring those who have been affected by war. This can be a personal project or a community event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a war-related charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the day to give back by donating to a charity that supports veterans, war victims, or promotes peace and reconciliation. Some options include War Child Holland, VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, and Stichting Vluchteling.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the memory of those who fought for freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Remembrance Day in Netherlands is a day to reflect and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives during World War II and other conflicts. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers and civilians who fought for freedom and peace.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together in remembrance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this important day, people across the Netherlands come together to honor the fallen. From solemn ceremonies to communal meals, it is a time for sharing stories, memories, and gratitude for those who gave their lives in service to the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It serves as a warning against future conflict</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Remembrance Day also serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of working towards lasting peace. It is a call to action for individuals and communities to actively promote understanding, tolerance, and unity, in order to prevent future conflicts.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The King and Queen participate in the ceremonies</h3><p class='facts-content'>King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands traditionally participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies, laying a wreath at the National Monument on Dam Square.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Remembrance Day precedes Liberation Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Remembrance Day is always followed by Liberation Day on May 5th, which celebrates the end of the Nazi occupation during World War II.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>TV & Radio broadcast a "Silent March"</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, a "Silent March" to the National Monument is broadcasted on national television and radio, showcasing live footage of this solemn walk that culminates in the two minutes of silence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The two minutes of silence halt the country</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the two minutes of silence at 8:00 PM, not only people stop, but also public transport and even flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport are temporarily suspended.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Remembrance Sunday has British roots</h3><p class='facts-content'>The observance, held in November in the UK, inspired the Dutch to establish their own Remembrance Day. This day of remembrance has now become a worldwide symbol of honoring wartime casualties.</p></div></div>
National Remembrance Day in Netherlands is celebrated on May 4 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Saturday.
2023
May 4
Thursday
2024
May 4
Saturday
2025
May 4
Sunday
2026
May 4
Monday
2027
May 4
Tuesday
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