Veterans Day in Zoetermeer 2026 Canceled

Due to the expected extreme heat, it has been decided to cancel Veterans' Day in Zoetermeer, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

This decision was made on the advice of the Haaglanden Safety Region, based in part on the weather forecasts from the KNMI. The safety of visitors, veterans, participants, volunteers, staff, and others involved was the top priority in this decision.

We understand that this is a disappointment for everyone who was looking forward to Veterans Day. Precisely because we wanted to honor our veterans in a special way and thank them for their service, we regret that the event cannot take place. However, the expected weather conditions make it unsafe to hold the event.

"We thank everyone for their understanding."

Veterans are (former) military personnel who served the Kingdom of the Netherlands in war conditions or were deployed during peace missions. They include both military personnel who are still employed by the Department of Defense and former military personnel.

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

Veterans Day in Zoetermeer

Since 2005, the municipality of Zoetermeer has been organizing a gathering for its veterans that focuses on honor, recognition, and fellowship. Honor, recognition, and fellowship are the central themes of this event. It is a time to express appreciation for the veterans’ service and an opportunity for residents to connect with them.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Veterans’ Day will take place on the Markt. Starting at 5:00 p.m., there will be an Information and Experience Fair featuring performances, street theater, food trucks, and a bar. A special highlight of the evening will be the parade of historic and modern military vehicles from the armed forces. The vehicles will drive through the city and arrive at the Markt around 7:30 p.m. Afterward, visitors can view the vehicles up close during the static display and talk with veterans and drivers.

For the full program, the parade route, and more information, please visit:
www.zoetermeer.nl/kom-ook-naar-veteranendag-op-27-juni

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

Source: Patricia Munster (Patricia Reports)

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

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.

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.

Much sought after

Councils in opposition