Remembrance Day, May 4
On May 4, the Remembrance Day ceremony will take place in Zoetermeer at the war memorial in Wilhelminapark. On this day, we commemorate all civilians and military personnel who have lost their lives in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the world since the outbreak of World War II. We also pay tribute to the victims of war and peacekeeping missions.
We cordially invite you to join us for the silent march and the memorial service.
Silent march
The silent march will depart at 7:30 p.m. from the Nicolaaskerk at Dorpsstraat and head toward Wilhelminapark.
The drummers from the Kunst en Vriendschap music association lead the procession, followed by the John McCormick Scout Troop. They carry the wreaths and floral arrangements. Behind them walk Mayor Bezuijen, the children’s mayor, a representative from the U.S. Embassy, members of the Contact Oud Mariniers, and veterans from Zoetermeer.
Anyone can join the parade.
Commemoration at the war memorial
Upon arrival at the monument, there will be two minutes of silence at 8:00 p.m. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers, and a speech by Mayor Bezuijen.
A grandstand has been set up for visitors across from the monument on Julianalaan. Please note that seating is limited.
Depending on the weather, planes from the Rotterdam Aero Club (RAC) fly over Wilhelminapark. One of the planes performs a flyover in tribute to fallen soldiers and pilots who lost their lives.
Theater Na de Dam
On May 4 at 9:00 p.m., more than 100 performances centered on World War II will take place throughout the Netherlands. These are part of the youth project Theater Na de Dam.
In Zoetermeer, too, young people are working on a play about local history during the war. This has resulted in the play *When We Lost Ourselves*, which can be seen at the Stadstheater.
For more information, visit Theater Na de Dam | Stadstheater.nl.
Road closures
Julianastraat will be closed on May 4, 2026, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
How can you commemorate?
There are several ways you can participate in the national commemoration:
- Fly the Dutch flag at half-mast without a pennant from 6:00 p.m. until sunset (9:10 p.m.)
- Please observe the two-minute moment of silence from 8:00 p.m. to 8:02 p.m.
- Please avoid organizing entertainment events on May 4, or take the timing of the commemoration into account
- Please refrain from playing music and engaging in other activities between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
More information
Would you like to lay a wreath or floral arrangement, or do you have questions about the May 4 Commemoration in Zoetermeer? Please contact us at kabinet@zoetermeer.nl or call 14 079.
