Dutch War Victims Commemorated

Dutch Queen Beatrix and Prince Willem-Alexander lay a garland at the National Monument on May 4, 2009 at the Dam Square in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to commemorate all the Dutch casualties of war since the Second World War. (Robin Utrecht/AFP/Getty Images)

NETHERLANDS—On Memorial Day in the Netherlands, a two-minute silence was held at the annual commemoration for Dutch victims of the Second World War. Queen Beatrix and crown prince Willem-Alexander on Monday placed a floral wreath at the national monument at Dam Square in Amsterdam.

The occasion marked the first time Queen Beatrix, crown prince Willem-Alexander, and his wife princess Máxima Zorreguieta appeared in public following an incident last week in which a driver attempted to hit, but narrowly missed, the open-top bus carrying the royal family.

Seven people including the driver were killed after a vehicle ploughed through a group of spectators who were standing along the Royal parade route.

Regarding the Queen’s appearance at the ceremony, Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam, said in his speech that “this year especially we are fortunate to have her presence.” This was welcomed by loud applause from those who attended the event.

According to police, around 20,000 people came to Dam Square for the occasion. Extra security measures were taken.

The first commemoration for the victims of the Second World War took place in 1945 at Dam Square. Since 1961, the victims of other military conflicts and peace operations have also been commemorated on Memorial Day.

On Tuesday May 5, Liberation Day is celebrated with festivals throughout the Netherlands. Queen Beatrix will also attend an open air concert at the Amstel River in Amsterdam.