Thousands attend the 20th edition of Veterans Day, King Willem-Alexander gives a speech

The 20th edition of Veterans Day was held in the Hague on Saturday. King Willem-Alexander took part in the parade on the Kneuterdijk. Nearly 4,000 veterans and soldiers marched as usual from the Malieveld and back, followed by army vehicles. More than 40 veterans received a medal in front of the Escher Museum in Het Paleis on this special occasion.

Before the parade, old and new Royal Air Force aircraft flew in formation over the city, the so-called fly-past. Veterans Day attracted many visitors this year with tens of thousands of people lining the route.

Earlier in the day, the Dutch King gave a speech at the Royal Theatre, expressing his gratitude for Veterans Day's establishment. "The Netherlands has embraced this day as an annual national moment when we jointly honor our veterans," he said.

Veterans Day is a day of recognition for the commitment to "peace and security and to the national rule of law," Willem-Alexander explained. It is also a day of "recognition because each of you has a personal story based on your own experiences and emotions. Your pride and your doubts, your strength and your vulnerability and your camaraderie make you people of flesh and blood."

The King reflected on his meetings with veterans over the years and acknowledged that the work can be physically and mentally demanding. "As veterans, you may expect, even demand, that all institutions in our country do everything they can to ensure peace, security, human rights, and the democratic rule of law for your children and grandchildren."

Willem-Alexander has the "greatest respect" for veterans and their "indispensable" home front. "The Netherlands honors its veterans; today, June 29, we are explicitly showing that in a festive way for the twentieth time. But as far as I'm concerned, Veterans Day is every day of the year."

This year, six veterans received an award from outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and outgoing Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren. For instance, a veteran who drove over a landmine as a driver in Lebanon in 1979, resulting in the death of his co-driver, received the 'Wearing Badge for Wounded.' "To this day, he remains in touch with the mother of the comrade he lost," a spokesperson said.

The other veterans received their medals from other veterans. After the ceremony, the King took part in a parade as usual.

According to the Dutch government, Veterans Day is "a tribute to all veterans who have served from World War II to the missions of today." The aim is to promote "social recognition and appreciation" for veterans. Every year, the event attracts around 90,000 visitors. The day was established by the government and is organized by the National Veterans Day Committee, with support from the Ministry of Defense and social partners, according to the organization.