Memorial day 4th of May
Each year on the 4th of May at 20.00 al the Dutch remain silent for 2 minutes and remember the fallen casualties and liberators who set us free. Since 1961 not only the fallen of WWII but all war casualties since WWII are remembered. At the monument in Amsterdam our king, queen and the government place flows as a token of gratitude. During this ceremony veterans who fought in the war come over from all over the world, despite their senior age. Meanwhile at different places a similar ceremony takes place. The 2 minutes silence also mean that where ever you are, stop your car, stop your engine and remain silence for 2 minutes out of respect.
Liberation day 5th of May
Each year on the 5th of May we celebrate the liberation and our freedom. Once every five years the 5th of May is a national holiday. That will be this year. The liberation is celebrated a lot of music. Pop music concert can be visited for free at places like Zwolle, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Groningen, Leeuwarden, Utrecht. In Amsterdam in the evening a concert of classical music is performed on the water, visited by people on boats, including our king and queen. On this day you will probably not reach anyone.
