Bevrijdingsdag: Dutch Celebrate Liberation
National Holiday Marks End of Nazi Occupation
May 5th Marks Annual Commemoration
Every year on May 5th, the Netherlands celebrates Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day), a national holiday that commemorates the liberation of the country from Nazi occupation in 1945. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the liberation, which came after five years of occupation during World War II. The Dutch celebrate this day with parades, festivals, and other events to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for their freedom.
The liberation of the Netherlands began on September 17th, 1944, when Allied forces crossed the Belgian border. By May 5th, 1945, all of the Netherlands had been liberated except for a few small pockets of resistance. On that day, Queen Wilhelmina returned to the Netherlands after spending the war in exile in England. The Dutch people celebrated the liberation with great joy and relief, and Bevrijdingsdag has been celebrated every year since.
In addition to parades and festivals, Bevrijdingsdag is also marked by a two-minute silence at 8:00 pm to remember those who died during the war. The day is also a time for reflection on the importance of peace and freedom, and the Dutch people use this occasion to reaffirm their commitment to these values.
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