The National Remembrance Day on Dam Square in Amsterdam will continue, but without an audience. That has chairman Gerdi Verbeet of National Committee 4 and 5 May said in radio program With a view to Tomorrow. The decision follows the stricter measures taken by the government last night announced to reduce the coronavirus.
The exact details of the commemoration on the Dam are not yet known, but it is certain that King Willem-Alexander will give a speech. The committee is still looking for ways to involve the rest of the Netherlands in Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. In any case, the fourteen Liberation Festivals are canceled.
“We hope that people will also see for themselves what they can do in their street,” said Verbeet. “People need to think about a way to show their commitment and connection, but in a way that suits the exceptional circumstances we are in.”
No Freedom Month
Other activities planned for the celebration of 75 years of freedom are also canceled. Last week it was already decided that ‘The Month of Freedom’ would not take place. Buses would go through all provinces, with all kinds of activities.
Verbeet said in With a view to Tomorrow that people have worked here for years, often as volunteers. She emphasized that she fully understands the measures and their consequences.
We want to make it possible for the entire Dutch society to commemorate in a dignified and interdependent way, and to commemorate the end of World War II, 75 years ago, despite the exceptionally difficult circumstances, “said Verbeet in a statement.” special attention to the veterans and all those people who have experienced the horrors of this war themselves and who are now especially vulnerable to the corona virus. “
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