Inauguration Medals

Prime Minister Mark Rutte awarded on Thursday afternoon the first seven medals to persons who actively contributed to the smooth running of the inauguration. The medal is a tangible reminder of King Willem-Alexander's ascension to the throne. Rutte presented the medals to representatives of emergency services, civil servants, police, military, volunteers and others. The Prime Minister handed out the medals at a meeting organized by the municipality in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, delivered a speech there. The inauguration medal, produced by the Royal Dutch Mint and designed by Hans van Houwelingen, shows an image of the king on the front side. The back shows his monogram. '30-4-2013', the date of the inauguration, is engraved on the edge. The other inauguration medals are expected to be awarded in the autumn. Organizations can nominate people for this. The award is made by Royal Decree, on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior Affairs.