Dutch Liberation Day - May 4

 Liberation for the Dutch people from the German occupation of World War II occured on May 4, 1945.  A pact was initiated between a Canadian General and the German official allowing the Allied forces to enter the Netherlands.  A solemn celebration is held each year in many cities to commemorate that day.  We happened to be in Zoetermeer on Friday to attend the temple and saw their ceremony beginning and joined in.

 It began with a solemn procession through town lead by a trio of drums draped in black followed by scouts bearing floral offerings, followed by a small group of veterans, government officials, and a thousand or so towns people.  We felt compelled to join in the procession which went through town to a war memorial in a park.  There were speeches, band music, singing of the national anthem, and church bells ringing. Precisely at 8:00 pm there was a nationwide 2 minutes of silence.  This was followed by a fly-over of vintage WWII planes in a missing man formation.

 The mayor placed his wreath, followed by each of the scouts representing different community organizations and churches. (The wreath with the white ribbons was placed by the Seventh Day Adventists). Then all the citizens were given a tulip which were  placed one by one at the memorial.  The school children in the town had written what freedom meant to them and their papers were attached to the tulips and bushes around the memorial. 

The whole ceremony was very solemn and meaningful.  We were grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.  It was particularly touching to remember that Oma and Opa as well as their parents were here and experienced the difficulties of war during this period.

To my children and grandchildren:  I hope that you will always remember and hold dear the sacrifices and experiences of your ancestors and do your part to help preserve freedom in the world.