Zoetermeer celebrates 80 years of freedom
In 2025, it will be 80 years since the end of World War II. Commemorations and celebrations are organized throughout the Netherlands, including in Zoetermeer. An extensive program will reflect on the sacrifices of the past and celebrate the freedom of today. For schools in Zoetermeer, there is an educational commemoration program that focuses on the Second World War, the liberation 80 years ago, and the value of freedom.
Mayor Michel Bezuijen: "Unfortunately, freedom and safety is no longer as self-evident as we have long thought. Therefore, this year in Zoetermeer we will pay much attention to the celebration of 80 years of freedom. Remembering and celebrating go hand in hand. Because it is important to realize that we still live in freedom. And that freedom we must guard and cherish."
For young and old
With theater, music and exhibitions, the program targets all residents of Zoetermeer, from young to old. Events like this belong to the city according to alderman Jan Iedema (Events): "We are proud that Zoetermeer is a city where people want to celebrate and meet all year round and that we have good locations for that. I am looking forward to the 25th edition of the Liberation Festival this year."
Highlights from the program
The program of Zoetermeer 80 years of freedom consists of 4 important moments, supplemented by neighborhood activities, such as freedom meals. Especially for young people - who have always lived in freedom in the Netherlands - there is an educational program to make the value of freedom tangible and discussable, for example with a visit by schoolchildren to camp Westerbork.
January 2025 Holocaust Commemoration
In January, the victims of the Holocaust are remembered worldwide. In Zoetermeer, as in the rest of the Netherlands, the entire month of January is dedicated to this with various educational and commemorative activities, including a free screening of a Holocaust film in the Stadstheater and a visit by schoolchildren to camp Westerbork.
May 4, 2025 National Remembrance Day at the war memorial in Wilhelmina Park
In addition to this national commemoration, schoolchildren organize their own memorial ceremony at the adopted monument next to the Dutch Reformed Church at Dorpsstraat.
May 5, 2025 Liberation Festival and liberation fire collection in Wageningen
An anniversary edition of the Liberation Festival in Zoetermeer, organized for the 25th time this year.
Aug. 15, 2025 Commemoration of the victims of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies/Indonesia and the end of World War II in Asia
Including the art project "Remembrance in Pictures," in which photographs and works of art tell the stories of the Japanese occupation.
Learn more
The full program and more information can be found on the website: www.zoetermeer.nl/80jaarvrijheid.
