Freedom: valuable and vulnerable
Freedom means being able to live your life the way you want, without undue influence from others. It is the ability to make your own choices, follow your own path and decide what is important to you. Freedom is a basic right for everyone and important for a fair society.
In the Netherlands, on May 5, we celebrate our freedom since 1945. It is the day when we remember the end of the German and Japanese occupation during World War II. Liberation Day is not only a day of celebration, but also a time to reflect. We realize how important freedom is, that it can be fragile and that it cannot be taken for granted.
On this day, we think not only of our own freedom, but also of people in other countries where freedom cannot be taken for granted. Although World War II ended 80 years ago, there are still places in the world where war and oppression define daily life.
Therefore, it is important to reflect on the value of freedom. Freedom requires attention and commitment. Not only to preserve our freedom, but also to support people who are still fighting for their rights. Liberation Day reminds us that freedom is something to celebrate, but also to protect and pass on to future generations.
