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

The following days saw intense fighting along the Axel-Hulst Canal, and in Hulst, German forces used the 60-meter tower of the Saint Willibrordus basilica as a strategic point—only after twenty direct hits did the spire collapse. ⛪️Today, the Polish Field of Honor in Axel’s General Cemetery commemorates the Polish soldiers who died in the fight for liberation. 🙏

Battle of the Scheldt Axel and Hulst

There, you’ll find Mario Maas’s extensive collection of World War II artefacts, gathered over 45 years. 📍Located in a barn that survived the 1944 battlefield, the museum features historic vehicles and rare wartime items. Run by volunteers, it offers a detailed look at the clash between Polish and German forces in the region, preserving an important piece of history.

The Gdynia War Museum

He shared what made the Battle of the Scheldt so critical in World War II and why it demanded such resilience from Allied forces. Catch his reflections on this intense chapter in European history.

Interview with Professor Tobias van Gent

The Battle of the Scheldt 

Interview with Dominique Kieffer

Eighty years later, hundreds gathered for the Sunset March XXL to honor them.🎥 We asked participants what it means to them to take part in this event.

Sunset March XXL 2024

80 years later he is among those who recreate this historic event during the Operation Market Garden commemorations in Nijmegen.

U.S Sergeant Oscar Roldan talks about the crossing of the Waal River

This is part of a ceremony that honours those who lost their lives fighting to liberate the Netherlands.

Ceremony at the Oosterbeek War Cemetery

As a member of the U.S. Artillery Aviation Unit, he played a vital role in surveillance and reconnaissance missions during D-Day and Operation Market Garden in 1944. For his service, he was awarded five medals of honor. 🎖️

U.S. Army veteran Dominick Critelli talks about freedom and plays the saxophone

In our recent interview, Mary Roberts from England sheds light on the vital role women played during the Second World War. 💬

Interview with Mary Roberts

The 100-year-old emphasises the importance of teaching all generations about the lessons of war, otherwise we will repeat it.

Interview with Jack Einstein 

Wars affect not only those who are actively involved, but all people. For this reason, commemorations should include all segments of the population. 🕯

Interview with Aart van Bolhuis 

The biggest airborne operation in history exactly 80 years ago was supposed to capture important bridges over the Lower Rhine River in the Netherlands and enable an Allied offensive against Germany.

Interview with Jory Brentjens, curator of the Airborne Museum

As part of the National Committee for 4 and 5 May, she is responsible for the celebrations that take place during these present months to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands. 🇳🇱

Interview with Femke Klein,  coordinator of 80 Years of Freedom in the Netherlands

In the museum, visitors can learn about what occupation and liberation meant for the civilians in Belgium and the Netherlands during the Second World War.

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Bevrijdingsdag : 80 jaar vrijheid