Veterans in Zoetermeer

The municipality of Zoetermeer finds it important that our Zoetermeer veterans are seen and heard in the municipality. We do this in various ways.

White Carnation

In 2019, the National Veterans Day Committee called on municipalities to honor their veterans with a White Carnation Garden. The white carnation symbolizes recognition and appreciation for veterans. Carnations bloom in June, around the time of national and local Veterans Days.

On June 2, 2026, an official White Carnation Garden was established in Wilhelminapark near the Anne Frank Tree. With this special site, the municipality of Zoetermeer expresses its appreciation for veterans who have dedicated themselves to peace, freedom, and security. In doing so, Zoetermeer is responding to the call from the National Veterans Day Committee to honor veterans in a lasting and visible way.

A White Carnation Garden is a special place where people can pay tribute to veterans’ service all year round. White Carnation Gardens have now been established in more than 200 municipalities across the Netherlands.

Veterans' Bench

There is also a Veterans' Bench near the White Carnation Garden. This bench offers veterans and other visitors a place to meet and reflect—a place to honor the service of veterans to the Netherlands and the local community.

The Veterans' Bench thus serves as a valuable addition to the White Carnation Garden and helps ensure lasting recognition and appreciation for veterans in Zoetermeer.

For more photos: Unveiling of the white carnation garden in Zoetermeer | Patricia Reports

Zoetermeer Veterans Night

Since 2005 there has been a Veterans Night in Zoetermeer. This evening focuses on honor, recognition and meeting. It is an evening of gratitude and solidarity.

This evening a parade of historic and modern military vehicles of the armed forces will drive through our city. Zoetermeer veterans are invited to ride along and gather in the veterans' pavilion on the Market Square afterwards. After arriving at the Market Square there will be a static show: residents can view the vehicles and talk to the drivers and veterans.

Curious about photos? Check out the full photo album on photographer Patricia Munster's website. Or watch this video.

Veteran Flag

On Veterans Day, the veterans flag flaunts at City Hall and the Veterans Pavilion. The colors of the flag symbolize all veterans. Designed by Dutch veterans, the flag is intended for anyone who has served on behalf of the Kingdom in one or more branches of the armed forces. The flag represents solidarity and appreciation of all veterans, without distinction.

Sports

The Veterans' Run - Running for Peace and Unity

The Veterans Run is a sporting event organized by and for veterans. The goal is clear: to foster connections among veterans from Zoetermeer and the surrounding region in an accessible and active way. Although the run was initially aimed at veterans from Zoetermeer, it was decided to open it up regionally to all veterans from the Haaglanden region—and even beyond. The participating team is named “INVICTUS RUNNERS” in collaboration with Invictus Gym.

Is running physically impossible for you? No problem: you can also choose to participate in one of the walking tours.

A tribute in motion

The Veterans' Run is more than just a sporting event. It is a tribute to all those who have fought for our freedom, and an opportunity to come together and get active.

Join in or cheer them on!

Are you a veteran, or do you know a veteran who would like to participate? You can register via the Geuzenloop Zoetermeer website. Even if you prefer walking to running, you are more than welcome to join us.

Register via: Geuzenloop & Walking in Zoetermeer | Geuzendag Zoetermeer (registration opens May 1)

Questions? Email us at: veteranen@geuzenloopzoetermeer.nl

Let’s walk together for connection, peace, and respect

The Veterans' Run is an initiative of Mike van Wichen and Remko De Bruijne, both veterans from Zoetermeer, in collaboration with the municipality of Zoetermeer and the organizers of the Geuzenloop.

Photos: Geuzenloop 2025 | foto.warmerdam.nl

Questions or help

Veterans can also contact the municipality with (help) questions. Fill out the contact form if you have questions about:

• What the municipality can do for you as a veteran, or
• About recognition and appreciation, remembrance, local Veterans Day or the White Carnation.