Rememberance of the death.

Rememberance of the death. 

Remembrance of the Dead (in Dutch Dodenherdenking) is held annually on May 4 in the Netherlands. It commemorates all civilians and members of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II. 

Traditionally, the main ceremonies are observed in Amsterdam at the National Monument on Dam Square. This ceremony is usually attended by members of the cabinet and the royal family, military leaders, representatives of the resistance movement and other social groups. At 8:00 p.m., two minutes of silence are observed throughout the Netherlands. Public transport is stopped, as well as all other traffic. Radio and TV only broadcast the ceremonies from 19.00 until 20.30. Since May 4, 1994, the flags, having hung at half-staff from 18:00 onwards, are then hoisted to the music of the "Wilhelmus", the Dutch national anthem. Since 2001 the new protocol says it is correct to let the flag hang half-staff.

Around 8:00 pm I turned on the TV, to watch the 'rememberance of the death' and usual every year. It's always the same, it's a tradition, jsut as Easter and Christmas. The 2 minutes of silince is a must, while I watched the 2 minutes of silince on the Dam, I saw the 1000 's of people gathered around all quiet. It's such an impact to see, it touches me, I think I would have cried a little if I would be there. All these 1000's of people all gathered around for this event, all quiet and staring at the National monument. Every year, It's a good thing!  I like it aswell that there are children among these people, glas they are aware what's going on here.