Remembrance of the dead

Remembrance of the Dead (Dodenherdenking) is held annually on
May 4th in the Netherlands. It commemorates all civilians and members
of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died
in wars or peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II.
Traditionally, the main ceremonies are observed in Amsterdam at the
National Monument on Dam Square. This ceremony is usually attended
by members of the cabinet and the royal family, military leaders,
representatives of the resistance movement and other social groups.
At 20:00 hrs, two minutes of silence are observed throughout the Netherlands.
Public transport is stopped, as well as all other traffic. Radio and TV only
broadcast the ceremonies from 19.00 until 20.30. Since May 4, 1994,
the flags, having hung at half-staff from 18:00 hrs onwards, are then hoisted
to the music of the Dutch national anthem. Since 2001 the new protocol says
it is correct to let the flag hang half-staff.
The next day, on May 5th, Dutch people celebrate the liberation of the nation
from the German occupation of 1940 to 1945.