Marking 80 Years of Freedom: The Netherlands Celebrates Liberation Day

News item | 05-05-2025 | 06:36

This year, the Netherlands marks a significant milestone: 80 years since the end of the Second World War. On 5 May, Liberation Day, the Dutch celebrate the return of peace, the end of Nazi occupation, and the restoration of democracy and the constitutional state. It is a day not only of national pride, but also of reflection on the sacrifices made to secure freedom.

Paul Huijts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Kingdom, emphasised the importance of this moment: “On this 80th anniversary of our liberation, we remember with deep gratitude the courage and sacrifice of all who fought for our freedom, including so many from the United Kingdom. The shared history between our nations, forged in the darkest days of the Second World War, remains a foundation of our enduring friendship. As we honour the past, we are reminded that freedom, democracy, and human dignity must be protected every day, together.”

Liberation Day

Liberation Day follows Remembrance Day on 4 May, when the Netherlands honours the memory of all civilians and soldiers who have died in war or in peacekeeping missions since 1940. And on 15 August, the Kingdom of the Netherlands observes the official end of the Second World War in Asia, commemorating the victims of the Japanese occupation in the former Dutch East Indies and the impact that endures to this day. The Melati (Indies Jasmine) is worn on this day as a symbol of remembrance and respect.

Victory in Europe Day

In the UK, Victory in Europe (VE) Day is commemorated on 8 May, marking the official end of WWII in Europe in 1945. These dates, though distinct, reflect a deeply shared history between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, one of allied resistance, mutual support, and post-war reconstruction.

Joanna Roper, British Ambassador to the Netherlands, spoke to the enduring connection between the two nations: “In this 80th anniversary of victory in Europe and the liberation of the Netherlands, we remember the heroism and bravery of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and democracy. As North Sea Neighbours, the people of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands share historic ties of friendship, cemented during the Second World War and which remain strong and steadfast today. The challenges we face in today’s complex world mean that we all have a duty to remember our past and to ensure it is not repeated.”

80th anniversary of liberation

The 80th anniversary of liberation is not only a tribute to the past, but a call to action. Democracy, human rights and international security remain at the heart of the Netherlands’ foreign policy, championed through its membership in the EU, NATO and the United Nations, and anchored by the presence of international legal institutions in The Hague.

The sacrifices of the past paved the way for a free society. As the Netherlands commemorates 80 years of freedom, it renews its commitment to protecting that legacy, at home and in the world.

Reading tip

British Ambassador Joanna Roper shared her reflections in a special interview for the 4 and 5 May magazine. Read the full piece here. 

* the English translation of the article follows below the Dutch verson.