The ceremony brought together Dutch, British and German dignitaries, military representatives, schoolchildren and members of the public. Together, they honoured all civilians and soldiers who have lost their lives in conflicts or peacekeeping operations since the start of the Second World War.

A moment of reflection

Guests first gathered near the chapel for coffee, tea and a quiet moment of reflection, and many signed the remembrance book before walking to the Field of Honour. Lieutenant-Colonel Stefan Klabbers led the commemoration as master of ceremonies. After the sounding of the ‘Taptoe’ and two minutes of silence at 20:00, the Dutch national anthem, ‘Het Wilhelmus’, was performed by Britt Lenting.

Wreaths were laid by:

• Captain Rick Ongering, the Netherlands’ military representative in the UK
• Eva Taylor-Tazelaar, on behalf of the Engelandvaarders and the Dutch resistance
• Ambassador Paul Huijts, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Mr Jan Krekel, representing Vereniging Neerlandia
• Reverend Bertjan van de Lagemaat, representing the Dutch Church
• Mr Dick van den Broek, representing the Anglo-Netherlands Society
• Mr Will Reid, representing the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• Group Captain Stefan Kleinheyer, representing the German Embassy

Understanding history

Ambassador Paul Huijts and Reverend Bertjan van de Lagemaat spoke about this year’s theme chosen by the National Committee for 4 and 5 May: learning to understand history. The theme invites us to think about the scars that war has left on eyewitnesses and on their children and grandchildren, by sharing personal stories and continuing to tell the broader, complex story of our history.

Remembrance is about trying to understand and making conscious choices: the choice to not forget, to listen and ask questions, and to remain vigilant every day.

Generations marked by war

Many people, including those whose stories we may never hear, still carry the burden of war. Others share their experiences, or those of their families, with younger generations despite the pain this can bring.

This year’s commemoration was marked by the absence of Ms Selma van de Perre-Velleman, who passed away last year. As a resistance fighter, Ravensbrück survivor and eyewitness, she knew that freedom is never guaranteed and that the wounds of war do not simply fade over time. With courage and honesty, she shared her story with younger generations.

We were grateful that Eva Taylor-Tazelaar joined us and laid a wreath on behalf of the Engelandvaarders and the Dutch resistance. She is the daughter of Dutch resistance members Peter Tazelaar and Sabine Zuur. Only after her mother’s death, shortly before her 94th birthday, did Eva learn the full extent of her mother’s wartime experiences and understand the marks these left.

Our thanks

In the spirit of reconciliation and the close friendship between the Netherlands and Germany, we were honoured to welcome Group Captain Stefan Kleinheyer, who continued the tradition of laying a wreath on behalf of the German Embassy. The Netherlands Field of Honour is a very special place. Thanks to the tireless work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the graves are cared for with great dignity.

Voices from the next generation

The presence of young people at the ceremony – and at remembrance events around the world – is essential. Pupils from De Regenboogschool, the Dutch primary school in London, recited their own poems, reflecting on loss, fear and the importance of remembering.

Together

At the end of the ceremony, attendees walked past the monument and the wreaths and received white tulips to place by the headstones on the Netherlands Field of Honour. We share the stories of the past so they are not lost in the busyness of the present, and to try to understand. In a world full of conflicts and uncertainty, we must keep commemorating and listening, hold on to the lessons we have learned, and work together to build a more peaceful present and future.

Learning through personal stories

It is vital that we continue to inspire each other – and younger generations – to cherish and protect the values of freedom and democracy. Eva Taylor-Tazelaar shares how the Second World War has shaped her family and her own life in her book Sabine’s War, and Selma van de Perre-Velleman wrote about her experiences in My Name is Selma. These personal stories help us to understand history in a deeper, more human way.