National Remembrance Day 2027

Every year on 4 May, the Netherlands remembers the victims of war on Dam Square in Amsterdam during the National Remembrance Day (Nationale Dodenherdenking).

• Who is remembered: all civilians and soldiers who have died in situations of war and during peacekeeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War.
• Liberation Day: on 5 May it is Liberation Day, with celebrations and festivals throughout the Netherlands.

Programme on 4 May

The evening consists of a silent march through the city and the national commemoration at the National Monument on Dam square.

• Silent march: at 18.00 a silent march led by the mayor of Amsterdam sets off from the Stadhuisplein, passing through the old Jewish Quarter and past the Dokwerker and the Namenmonument to Dam Square.
• Two minutes of silence: at 20.00 the whole country observes two minutes of silence.
• Wreath-laying: after the silence, wreaths are laid at the National Monument in the presence of the King and Queen.
• Practical: access to Dam square is limited during the commemoration; arrive in good time and expect barriers and security checks.