Veterans in Zoetermeer

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.

Facilities

Veterans Policy

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

Zoetermeer Veterans Evening

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 Markt afterwards. After arriving at the Markt 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.

Source: Patricia Munster (Patricia Reports)

Veteran Flag

On Veterans Day, the veterans flag flies 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.

Veteran Flag
Source: Patricia Munster (Patricia Reports)

White Carnation

In 2019, the National Committee on Veterans Day called on municipalities to honor their veterans with a White Carnation Flower. This flower symbolizes appreciation for veterans. Carnations bloom in June, the period surrounding national and local Veterans Day.

The municipality of Zoetermeer answered this call. In the Wilhelminapark there are now 2 large flower boxes with white carnations. When the park is redesigned, there will be an official White Carnation Perk, in front of the AnneFrank tree. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Help questions

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.