Dealing with the Second World War

On May 4, National Remembrance Day, the Dutch commemorate all civilians and members of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who died in wars and peacekeeping operations since the beginning of the Second World War. The Dutch flag is flown at half-mast and two minutes of silence are observed at eight o’clock in the evening, an emotional ritual in which about 90 percent of the population participates. In most cities and villages people gather around monuments, listen to speeches, and lay down flowers to remember the dead. The official national commemoration, which is attended by the king and queen, members of the government, military authorities, representatives of the resistance movement, and survivors of persecution, is held at the National Monument on Dam Square in the city center of Amsterdam and is broadcast on national public television.