Dodenherdenking means commemoration of the dead. On May 4th, we commemorate all the war victims since the outbreak of World War II. The next day, on May 5th, we celebrate our liberty. The dates are chosen because 5 May 1945 was the day of the German capitulation, which ended World War II in the Netherlands.
On Dodenherdenking, the whole country respects a two-minute silence at 8 PM. Commemorations are organized through out the country, where wreaths are laid at war monuments and other places of significance. The King will attend the commemorations in Amsterdam, where he will lay a wreath at the monument for the fallen on the Dam.
Commemoration of the dead at the Dam in Amsterdam. Jac. de Nijs, 1965. Image credits: Nationaal Archief (CC-BY-SA)
About Yvette Hoitink
