About 75 years of freedom

To honour 75 years of freedom since 1945

About 75 years of freedom

In 2019 and in 2020 the Netherlands celebrate 75 years of freedom. The celebratory year started in 2019 in Terneuzen when King Willem-Alexander rung the historical bell buoy. This marked the beginning of a year filled with commemorations and celebrations. The festivities in the context of 75 years of freedom will end with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the UN (United Nations) on 24 October 2020 in The Hague.

On 5 May 1945 the Second World War officially ended in the Netherlands. The liberation of the Netherlands had however already started earlier. On 17 September 1944 a part of the Netherlands (the provinces Noord-Brabant and Gelderland) were liberated during operation Market Garden. Read more about Market Garden. This year Liberation Day will be celebrated for the 75th time.

An adapted program

Just like the rest of the world, the corona virus has a hold on the Netherlands. Because of current measures taken by the government, all public activities until the first of June in the context of 75 years of freedom cannot proceed.

On 4 and 5 May the Dutch feel strongly connected. The need to come together is felt even more strongly in these difficult times.

Because of the measures taken to prevent a further spread of the corona virus the National Comity will examine if any of the planned festivities can take place later this year. Remembrance Day (4 May) and Liberation Day (5 May) shall be celebrated in ways suiting the current circumstances.