The Netherlands is unique amongst its neighbours in having two national holidays stemming from the second World War: Remembrance Day - 'Dodenherdenking' and Liberation Day - 'Bevrijdingsdag'.
Remembrance Day - 4 May: The official, nationally televised commemoration begins in the evening with a service at a church in central Amsterdam, after which veterans and victims' relatives lay wreaths at the National War Memorial on nearby Dam square. Church bells ring for a quarter of an hour till 8 pm, when there is a nationwide two-minute silence. Dignitaries and other victims' groups then lay more wreaths and a child reads out a self-written poem, selected by a local jury. A ceremonial procession past the National War Memorial marks the end of proceedings.
Liberation Day - 5 May:The Prime Minister launches the day's events, traditionally from a different province each year. There follow cultural readings and exhibitions reflecting that year's topical theme. The big event of the day in many Dutch towns is an open air pop festival featuring top acts. These events are designed to get young people involved. In the eveing, there is an official televised concert at the Amstel Bridge in Amsterdam, attended by the Queen and government ministers.
You can read more here if you like!
NL Planet - Remembrance Day and Liberation Day
So get out your "orange" and put it on to celebrate Liberation Day with me!!
(just a random pic of a youngster celebrating!!)
Happy Liberation Day!!! (Holland!)
