On May 4, we commemorate all Dutch war victims in the Netherlands since the outbreak of the Second World War. This includes not only the victims of the German occupation in the Netherlands, but also the victims of the Japanese occupation in the Dutch East Indies. In addition, this day also commemorates the soldiers and civilians who died in war situations and during peace missions after the Second World War.
In Wildervank, Remembrance Day takes place at the war memorial. During this ceremony, two minutes of silence will be observed at 8:00 PM. Villagers, representatives of the municipality, and other stakeholders lay wreaths and flowers at the monument to honor the fallen. Speeches and poems contribute to the joint commemoration, in which people reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. This local ceremony is an important moment of reflection and tribute to the residents of Wildervank and others who gave their lives in wartime.
On May 5 we celebrate Liberation Day in the Netherlands. This day marks the liberation of the Netherlands from the German occupation in 1945 during the Second World War. It is a day on which freedom, democracy and human rights are celebrated and commemorated. On this day, festivities and events are organized throughout the country, such as music festivals, performances, and various commemorative ceremonies. In addition, it is also a day to reflect on the importance of freedom and the sacrifices made for it.
In addition to the liberation of the Netherlands, the liberation of the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia) is also commemorated. The Dutch East Indies was only liberated from Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, a few months after the German capitulation in Europe. Although the official commemoration of the liberation of the Dutch East Indies takes place on August 15, it is important to also reflect on the victims and the liberation of the Dutch colonial areas in Asia on Liberation Day.
