Remembrance & Liberation Day

REMEMBRANCE DAY AND LIBERATION DAY IN THE NETHERLANDS

Today, the 5th of May, is a very special occasion in Holland. There have been celebrations going on all day today, so I thought I’d share abit about it on here….even though no one will probably read it, this is a serious post from MELLA, it doesn't happen very often!!



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 for those that died; 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 Second World War still represents a watershed in our history..

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 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 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 and freedom was restored to the Dutch East Indies. On the 4 and 5 May, the entire country unites to observe a day of remembrance followed by a day of celebration.



A unique tradition

Almost everyone in the Netherlands attaches importance to marking these events, a day to honour the victims of the Second World War, and a day to celebrate freedom and democracy. They give us a chance to pause and reflect on our values and ideals of freedom, democracy and human rights. We observe 4 May as a day of commemoration and contemplation, and 5 May as a celebration of freedom. The two are linked.

Remembrance Day (The 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.

For all who lost their lives

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 (Today, The 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. 5 May is a national holiday. The solemnity of Remembrance Day gives way to joyful celebration.



A source of inspiration

Many local authorities organise special events for their own communities, and thirteen liberation festivals are held in different regions of the country. These liberation festivals feature both Dutch and international artists, and are especially popular with the young. The Liberation Day events centre on a different theme each year. Civil rights was an important theme at the beginning of the 1990s. In the second half of the decade, emphasis was placed on the precept that freedom cannot be taken for granted: it must be cherished and guarded with vigilance. All those involved in the festivals - organisers and performers alike - highlight these themes, while Amnesty International, War Child and similar organisations carry out special projects for the public.



Looking to the future...

Different generations obviously have different perceptions of the Second World War and the remembrance and liberation ceremonies. People who lived through the war have personal memories of their experience, whereas later generations can only rely on history books and other accounts. The events organised to commemorate the war centre on themes which are relevant today to people of all ages and backgrounds. Over the past few years, Liberation Day has become a day on which the country unites to reflect on freedom and democracy. In marking the country's liberation from oppression more than half a century ago, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today. Unlike most other countries, the Netherlands draws inspiration from this dark period in history to focus on the present and the future. That's what makes these two days so important to the Dutch.

 

Looks like we have a DP history buff.

Nice job

 

Lol I'm no history buff

But sometimes it's good to take an interest in what's going on in the country you live in.