On May 4, 2025, Rotterdam came to a standstill as the city observed Remembrance Day, honoring all citizens and soldiers who lost their lives since the onset of World War II, whether in wars or peace missions. Various ceremonies took place throughout the city, with OPEN Rotterdam highlighting the most significant events.
The day commenced at 10:00 AM with a solemn ceremony at the Koopvaardijmonument located at Boompjeskade, also known as De Boeg. This monument commemorates over 3,500 sailors who died during the war. The morning began with the ‘striking of four glasses’ on the ship's bell, performed by the Zeekadetkorps. Mayor Schouten delivered a speech, and the Nederlands Douane Orkest provided musical accompaniment. After the ceremony, attendees were invited to share their thoughts over coffee or tea.
Later in the afternoon, at 2:00 PM, a gathering took place at the Algemene Begraafplaats Crooswijk. Here, flowers were laid at various graves and memorials, including the Erehof van het Verzet and the Korea Monument, honoring both military and civilian victims of war.
As the day progressed, at 4:10 PM, another gathering commenced in the Stadhuistuin, at the monument dedicated to the Rotterdam Jews who were deported and murdered during World War II. This ceremony concluded around 4:45 PM, providing a moment for reflection on the tragic history of the Jewish community in Rotterdam.
From 6:15 PM, the doors of the Laurenskerk opened for a memorial service, where Mayor Schouten once again took the stage to address the attendees. This gathering served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance.
At approximately 7:30 PM, a silent procession began from the Grote Kerkplein, proceeding via the Oppert, Meent, and Coolsingel towards the Stadhuisplein. The procession arrived at its destination around 7:50 PM, where wreaths were laid in a solemn ceremony. At 8:00 PM, the entire city observed two minutes of silence, a powerful moment of unity and reflection.
This year’s Remembrance Day was particularly significant as it marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, making May 4 an especially poignant day for the city of Rotterdam, which suffered greatly during the war. It was a day not only to remember the past but also to reflect on the importance of freedom in the present.
In Wassenaar, the Remembrance Day ceremony took place on the same day at the monument on the Schouwweg. The commemoration began with a silent procession from the corner of Nachtegaallaan/Schouwweg, accompanied by Muziekvereniging Excelsior from Wassenaar. Mayor Leendert de Lange delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with attendees.
In his address, Mayor de Lange expressed, "We gather here in silence, in unity, in memory. At this monument, we remember those who gave their lives—civilians, soldiers, resistance fighters—who made the ultimate sacrifice during the darkest periods of our history." He emphasized that remembrance is not solely about looking back but also about learning lessons for today and understanding the fragility of freedom.
Reflecting on recent educational experiences, he shared that he had taught lessons at local schools about World War II and the significance of remembrance. "I saw children who genuinely wanted to understand, who asked questions, and who felt that this is not just history—it’s our story," he noted.
Mayor de Lange also recounted historical events that impacted Wassenaar during the war, including the launch of the first V2 rocket aimed at England from Lijsterlaan on September 8, 1944. He described the panic and chaos that ensued, capturing the fear that gripped the village as the war encroached upon their lives.
He reminded attendees of the many lives lost, including that of Mrs. Zwaantje Knuppe-Mulder, who was the first war victim in Wassenaar, struck by a bomb shard in early May 1940. "It is important that we remember these names, these lives, and the stories behind them," he said, highlighting the recently renovated monument which now features a new plaque honoring all victims from Wassenaar.
In closing, Mayor de Lange urged the community to continue building resilience and fostering connections in the face of modern challenges. He quoted a professor who stated, "Resilience is an essential part of happiness," prompting a reflection on how society can remain strong amidst adversity.
As the ceremonies concluded in both cities, the shared theme of remembrance echoed strongly. From Rotterdam to Wassenaar, the day served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing responsibility to honor that legacy.
As the sun set on May 4, 2025, both cities stood united in memory, marking a significant moment in history while looking forward to a future built on the lessons of the past.
