Remembrance day

It is Remembrance Day (literally Remembrance of the Dead) in the Netherlands today. Every year on 4 May the Netherlands commemorates all civilians and members of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II.

At 20h00, everyone in the Netherlands is silent for two minutes to commemorate the dead. Public transport is stopped, as well as all other traffic. After the two minute silence the national anthem is played.

Traditionally, the main ceremony is held in Amsterdam at the National Monument on Dam Square. This ceremony is attended by members of the cabinet and the royal family, military leaders, veterans, representatives of the resistance movement and other social groups.

As they broadcast this ceremony on the national public TV channel I could follow it in Belgium as well and participate in the two minute silence. I took this shot of the colours of the Dutch flag to mark the day.