alamo50
05-04-2005, 02:44 PM
Holland has its own way of commemorating the Second World War and celebrating the country's liberation from five years of occupation. Unlike most countries, Holland 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. After a day of looking back at the past, the nation turns its hopes to the future. On May 4th and 5th, the entire country unites to observe a day of remembrance followed by a day of celebration
REMEMBERANCE DAY (MAY 4th)
Since the end of the Second World War, the Dutch have observed May 4th 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, Holland 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.
NATIONAL CEREMONY
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 Her Majesty the Queen, 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.
LIBERATION DAY (MAY 5TH)
The close of the Remembrance Day ceremony signals the start of Liberation Day festivities commemorating Germany's capitulation on May 5th , 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.
CELEBRATIONS
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. Traditionally held on the Amstel River in Amsterdam and broadcast live on television, the concert takes place in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and members of the government. 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.
REMEMBERANCE DAY (MAY 4th)
Since the end of the Second World War, the Dutch have observed May 4th 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, Holland 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.
NATIONAL CEREMONY
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 Her Majesty the Queen, 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.
LIBERATION DAY (MAY 5TH)
The close of the Remembrance Day ceremony signals the start of Liberation Day festivities commemorating Germany's capitulation on May 5th , 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.
CELEBRATIONS
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. Traditionally held on the Amstel River in Amsterdam and broadcast live on television, the concert takes place in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and members of the government. 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.