Music and dancing filled the streets, with festivals and concerts in every region. From a Freedom Meal at the Rijksmuseum to the traditional 5 May Concert on the Amstel — attended by royalty and heads of state — here’s a look at what happened in Amsterdam and beyond on May 5.

Liberation Day in the Netherlands: 80 years of freedom

We visited the Casa della Cultura e della Memoria, took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sacrario dei Caduti, and joined the many people gathering in the Monte Sole Historical Park. From guided tours to concerts, from remembrance sites to a photo exhibition by Giulio Di Meo, it was a full day that showed how memory can take many forms, each of them valuable as long as they are shared.

Liberation Day in Italy - Marzabotto and Monte Sole

🎨 Artist Natalia Grezina reflects on how the unspoken memories of her grandmother, who experienced WWII, continue to shape her personal and artistic journey.📢 Join the #IRemember Campaign and tell us about how you, your family, or your community experienced the end of WWII.

#Iremember 1 : Artist Natalia Grezina and the unspoken memories of her grandmother 

We were there to witness and share the powerful commemorations at the Holten War Cemetery, Apeldoorn, and Groningen.

The Netherlands marked 80 years of liberation

From the moving ceremony at Museum Square to the Silent March toward Dam Square and the national two minutes of silence, we witnessed how people came together to honour all those who lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions since WWII.

Remembrance Day in Amsterdam

Across Britain, people poured into the streets, waving flags, dancing, singing, and lighting bonfires. After long years of fear and loss, it was time to celebrate. But behind the cheers, there was grief. Not everyone could celebrate. Some still mourned. Others were still fighting. Original footage from the VE Day celebrations in London on 8 May 1945. © Imperial War Museum

Victory in Europe Day : May 8, 1945

For ten days, a historic convoy of WWII military vehicles crossed the province, retracing the path of our liberators.A powerful journey of remembrance, celebration, and reflection

Commemoration of the Liberation of Drenthe

Located in the heart of the Ardennes, this museum offers a detailed look at the siege of Bastogne during December 1944.Don’t just read about history, step into it!

Discover the Bastogne War Rooms

In this reel, Zoran shares how his love for history began with a visit to the Waterloo Museum and grew stronger at the Bastogne War Museum . His dedication led him to create a Facebook page where he dives into the stories and artefacts from 1939-1945.

Interview with Zoran

What does remembrance mean to you ?Studio Herinner gathers your stories, thoughts, opinions, and the questions you have about memory and meaning.The exhibition is open until 25 May, don’t miss it.

Art installation "Het Geheugen" in Tilburg

In his heartfelt interview, Chris shares his deep connection to Bastogne and his dedication to preserving the memory of his grandfather and his comrades.

Interview with Chris Langlois

Interview with Mathieu Billa (Bastogne War Museum)

From moving veteran testimonies to thrilling reenactments, vintage planes, concerts, and moments with actors from Band of Brothers, the event was a powerful tribute this important part of history.

80th anniversary NUTS Weekend 2024

Bob shares about How he first learned about the Battle of the Bulge, the incredible discoveries he's made during his research, and the story behind the Manhay Museum.

Videos

Niederlande 80 Jahre freiheit