Applause for Queen Beatrix at Remembrance Day

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands was applauded during the national remembrance ceremony on Dam square yesterday. The queen, the prince of Orange and princess Maxima were present at the annual ceremony to commemorate the victims of WWII.

In the New Church, where the ceremony started, Wim de Bie held a speech about his memories from the war. After that, the royals walked to the memorial statue on Dam square, escorted by members of the 4 & 5 May comittee. The queen and her son laid a wreath on the monument, after which 2 minutes of silence were held. After this the mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, held a speech. He also referred to Her Majesty’s presence and the horrible incident in Apeldoorn with the words: ”Every year we remember the fallen, here on Dam square, with the attendance of our queen. Especially this year we are happy to have her amidst us.” The 20.000 people on Dam square started a spontanious applause, which visibly moved the queen.

Other members of the royal family also commemorated the victims of WWII. Princess Margriet attended the local ceremony in the city of Apeldoorn, while Prof. Pieter van Vollenhoven and prince Pieter-Christiaan attended the ceremony on the Grebbeberg.

More about the 4 & 5 May activities in this TRF thread.

Filed under The Netherlands
Tagged King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, Prince Pieter-Christiaan of Orange-Nassau, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Prof. Pieter van Vollenhoven, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Remembrance Day, World War II.