War veterans gather in Wageningen
WAGENINGEN - War veterans gather in Wageningen today for commemorating the Second World War and celebrating the country’s liberation from five years of occupation.
Audiostream:
War veterans parade through the city in celebration of the anniversary of liberty regained. In hotel ”De Wereld” in Wageningen Germany signed on 5 May 1945 the historic documents of her capitulation.
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, it sets aside two days to mark these events, Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. On 4 May each year, people all over the country gather at local war memorials, and at 8pm the entire country observes a two-minute silence.
Yesterday a national ceremony was held in Amsterdam, with a memorial service at the historic Nieuwe Kerk in Dam Square, followed by the laying of wreaths at the foot of the national war memorial. The Queen, the prime-minister, members of parliament and representatives of those affected by the war all attended the ceremony. Three special wreaths were placed: one for members of the Resistance, one for victims of persecution and one for civilian casualties. A separate wreath was laid for those who fell in Asia, and another for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The close of the ceremonies then signals the start of Liberation Day festivities, commemorating Germany’s capitulation on 5 May 1945. Special Liberation Day events are organised all over the country, but two highlights include 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).
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