100,000 people attend Veterans Day in The Hague

The 20th edition of Veterans Day in The Hague ended on a "packed Malieveld" on Saturday afternoon, reports Koos Sol, campaign manager of the National Veterans Day Committee. According to the organization, there were 100,000 visitors that Day, who either stood along the parade route or visited the public activities on the Malieveld. The organizers were "very satisfied" with the outcome of the special day of remembrance. "It was a wonderful day," said Sol, also referring to the beautiful weather.

Veterans Day began in the Royal Theater, where King Willem-Alexander gave a speech, 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," King 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."

Later, dozens of veterans were awarded medals in the Escher Museum in Het Paleis. The medals were presented by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and outgoing Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren. The King then took part in the parade on the Kneuterdijk.

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."

Almost 4,000 veterans and soldiers marched from Malieveld and back during the parade, followed by army vehicles. Before the parade, Royal Air Force planes flew over The Hague, also known as a flypast.

Rutte thanked veterans who have been deployed for missions, he wrote on X. "We think of the sacrifices they have made. Veterans deserve our greatest respect," said Rutte, who will become NATO's secretary general.

Police chief Janny Knol also reflected on Veterans Day on X. "Several thousand veterans also work within the police force. My thanks and respect go out to all 100,000 Dutch veterans who have been deployed in the service of peace and security, now and in the past."

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.