Holidays of the Netherlands - Dutch Liberation Day

Every year on May 5, residents of the Netherlands celebrate a national date - Liberation Day of the Netherlands, established to commemorate the anniversary of the state's liberation from Nazi occupation. This event took place in 1945, at the Mir Hotel, located in the Dutch town of Wacheningen. On that spring day, an official agreement was concluded on the surrender of German soldiers from the territory of the country. In former times, it was customary to celebrate the holiday once every five years. Since 1990, it has been celebrated every year. Two dates are dedicated to this significant historical day: May 4 - Commemoration, the next day - Liberation. In fact, Memorial Day serves as a tribute of recognition to those who died during the Second World War. On this day, national flags are lowered to half-mast and commemorative events are held throughout the state. The Nazi occupation began in 1940 and continued until 1945. This day is considered a real holiday in the country. Thematic concerts are held in all cities, music is played everywhere. In Amsterdam, performances are organized along the banks of the Amstel River. Sometimes they are visited by members of the royal family, who are greeted with great excitement by the townspeople. Remembering the historical events of World War II on the territory of Holland, some facts should be noted. Initially, the Germans turned to the Dutch with a request not to resist the latter when the German army crossed their lands on the way to Belgium. However, the tiny state responded with a decisive refusal. Naturally, the tiny Dutch division, which its allies did not have time to help, had practically no chance. The Germans invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, and 2 days later launched a heavy bombardment of the city of Rotterdam, where there were a large number of casualties. As a result, Holland capitulated. The attack was so large-scale that in fact not a single building from the pre-war years remained in the village. That is why today this ultra-modern metropolis with high-rise buildings has such a colossal contrast with other cities in the country. In the winter of 1944-1945, Dutch residents refused to maintain the railway transport hub, in order to avoid further assistance from the German division. In retaliation, the Germans blockaded the country, cutting it off from food routes. A terrible famine began, food was distributed using special cards. It is noteworthy that the country's Queen Wilhelmina spent all the war years in Great Britain, leaving her people. Meanwhile, England provided all possible assistance to its allies, dropping food from airplanes onto occupied Holland. Thanks to the Canadian army and their accomplices, the Netherlands gained freedom on May 5, 1945. Despite the fact that Holland owes its liberation to its allies in the form of the Canadians, Americans and British, it has not forgotten who won the final victory over the Nazis. It is for this reason that every year in early May, a royal guard of honor marches at the Soviet Field of Glory in Amersfoort at the graves of Soviet soldiers who died for the freedom of Holland, with the traditional laying of wreaths. In memory of this historical date, various events and numerous festivals are organized throughout the Netherlands with the participation of famous musical groups and vocalists. Festive events attract thousands of local residents, especially representatives of the younger generation. As a rule, the large-scale celebration ends late in the evening in Amsterdam, with mass festivities and performances on the Amstel coast. The concerts are attended by members of the monastic family and other influential people of the country.