On May 4, 2025, the Netherlands held hundreds of memorial services to honor the victims of World War II and subsequent conflicts, including alternative commemorations that drew significant participation across the nation. With at least 480 locations participating, the day served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during times of war.
According to a spokesperson from the National Committee for May 4 and 5, approximately 350 memorial services and silent marches were organized across the country. These events not only commemorated the victims of the Second World War but also remembered those who suffered in the colonial war in Indonesia and in various peace missions since then.
The National Commemoration in Amsterdam commenced at 18:45, with Philip Freriks delivering the annual May 4 lecture at De Nieuwe Kerk. Following his address, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima laid the first wreath at the commemoration ceremony on Dam Square. This solemn event was marked by a moment of silence at 20:00, after which Prime Minister Dick Schoof delivered a speech.
Last year, one person was arrested during the commemoration on Dam Square, highlighting the intensity of emotions surrounding these gatherings. This year, the atmosphere was equally charged, as participants reflected on the past and its implications for the present.
The Waalsdorpervlakte, a significant site where many resistance fighters were executed during World War II, also hosted a memorial service. The honor platoon rang the bourdon bell throughout the procession, which began at 18:00. Attendees were encouraged to walk past the monument and pay their respects in their own way, whether by laying flowers or simply standing in silence.
In addition to official ceremonies, alternative memorials emerged this year, notably in The Hague, where civil servants and former diplomats organized an event to honor all victims of genocide, war, persecution, and oppression—an initiative sparked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Estimates suggested that around 500 people would attend, but the turnout exceeded expectations, with approximately 3,000 participants.
Hedy d'Ancona, a former politician, spoke at the alternative commemoration, recalling her father who perished in a concentration camp during the war. She emphasized the importance of remembering the past to prevent the rise of populist leadership, which she sees as a recurring threat.
In Waarder and Driebruggen, two villages in the municipality of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, the memorial services were held on a Sunday for the first time in eighty years, reflecting a shift in tradition. Normally, commemorations would be moved to Saturday if May 4 fell on a Sunday. This year, about 200 attendees gathered around the Dutch Reformed church, a decrease from the usual 400.
Meanwhile, in Madurodam, the National Children's Memorial drew thousands of young participants, with 11-year-old Adit opening the ceremony. Children reflected on the significance of living in freedom, acknowledging that many around the world still suffer from war and oppression. Tim, a 10-year-old attendee, expressed gratitude for the soldiers who fought for their freedom, noting, "I think it’s very special that soldiers fought to ensure our generation can live freely in 2025."
Throughout the day, the Dutch flag was flown at half-mast as a symbol of remembrance, with citizens encouraged to display the flag from sunrise to sunset. This practice has been a tradition since 2008, with Rijkswaterstaat implementing electronic signs to remind road users to commemorate safely.
The emotional weight of the day was palpable, with many attendees expressing their feelings openly. A reporter noted, "There were quite a few emotions among the people around me" during the alternative memorial service in The Hague. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of sorrow and reflection as people shared their memories and hopes for peace.
As the sun set on May 4, the Netherlands stood united in remembrance, honoring those who lost their lives in conflicts past while also grappling with the ongoing implications of war in the present. The day served as a powerful reminder of the need for peace and understanding in a world still marked by violence and division.
In summary, the commemorations on May 4, 2025, not only honored the victims of the past but also sparked conversations about the present and future, urging society to reflect on its history and strive for a more peaceful tomorrow.
