Peaceful place in The Hague to remember- Waalsdorpervlakte
At Peace in a Quiet Place in the Netherlands
It's May holiday. Today I just want to get away from the city a bit, visit nature and enjoy the silence there. There's a special reason I'm looking for a quiet place in Holland today...
it's Remembrance Day. Throughout the Netherlands memorial services and silent marches take place to commemorate those who gave their lives for our freedom during WWII, but also in wars and peacekeeping missions after 1945.
Freedom to enjoy nature
On this day, the 4th of May, I take my bike and cycle to the Waalsdorpervlakte, to just sit in the sand with nothing around me but birds and trees. This is the most peaceful place in The Hague for me. I lay down and look up into the clouded sky and I realise how fortunate I am to have the liberty to just be here and enjoy the Dutch nature. Freedom seems such a common thing, untill you stop for a moment to think about what you have.
Nature around The Hague
Waalsdorpervlakte is a beautiful natural area, near the Nordsea coastline & the dunes. It's a peaceful place in The Hague. It's also an important historical marker: many Dutch resistance fighters were executed here. It is one of the mayor locations in Holland where a memorial service is held. A big bell will ring. Except for this year, 2021. A small ceremony without public attendance will happen. The Dutch people are requested to stay at home and watch the ceremony online.
Two minutes of silence
When the clock strikes 8, the Netherland observes two minutes of silence, to remember and honour those who died for our freedom.
Visit the website of the tourist office The Hague for more information on the memorial service at Waalsdorpervlakte.
This is a list of all memorial services in The Hague in 2019 (in Dutch)
For more information on the Dutch Rememberance Day and Liberation Day on the 5th of May, go to 4en5mei.nl
These websites are in Dutch. If you are interested in a specific activity, do let me know, I do my best to find more information.
If you would like to visit Waalsdorpervlakte and surroundings with Verita's Visit, contact me for a personalised tour.
