Two Minutes Silence

Last night at the Dam Square, Amsterdam. Dodenherdenking|Remembrance Day ceremonies to remember all n the Kingdom who have died in wars and peacekeeping missions since the beginning of the Second World War. HM Queen Beatrix and TRH The Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima attended the solemn ceremony at Dam Square/Amsterdam. And as I have every year, I observed the silence at 8:00 pm, too. It's quite a moving ceremony in the Dam Square. I can recall it, too, especially when I was younger, visiting relatives.

Dutch National Remembrance/Dodenherdenking

During the National Remembrance at the Dam Square in Amsterdam the Mayor said, "Every year we remember the fallen, here on the Dam, with the attendance of our Vorstin [Sovereign]. This year in particular we are fortunate to have her presence." [spontaneous applause of 20,000 in attendance] This gesture of support from the spectators is unique in the history of the commemoration of the dead.



The Queen, the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima were visibly moved by this support from the public.



Photo: ANP/Robin Utrecht