Vocabulary

Learn New Words FAST with this Lesson’s Vocab Review List

Get this lesson’s key vocab, their translations and pronunciations. Sign up for your Free Lifetime Account Now and get 7 Days of Premium Access including this feature.

Or sign up using Facebook
Already a Member?

Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in the Netherlands Series at DutchPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Dutch holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 8 - Remembrance Day. In Dutch, this is [bevrijdingsdag]
May 4th is Remembrance Day in the Netherlands. Victims of war are commemorated on this day at 8 p.m. sharp with a two-minute moment of silence. In every municipality in the Netherlands, commemorative ceremonies are held near a local war memorial.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how Dutch people pay homage to war victims during national Remembrance Day.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question?
Why is May 4th designated as Remembrance Day in the Netherlands?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.
On Remembrance Day in the Netherlands, commemorative ceremonies are held near local war memorials in each municipality. From 8:00 to 8:02 p.m., Dutch people observe a two-minute moment of silence. During these two minutes, people devote their thoughts to fallen soldiers and civilians, and to the people who still battle with the negative impacts of World War II, or in Dutch [Tweede Wereldoorlog.]
The largest and most important gathering, or [bijeenkomst], held on National Remembrance Day is at Dam Square in Amsterdam. The commemoration begins with a rally for survivors and next of kin in the New Church, called Nieuwe Kerk in Dutch. Afterwards at the National Monument in Dam Square, Queen Beatrix lays a wreath, or [krans], and at 8 p.m. sharp, a bugle sounds off, signaling the start of the two minutes of silence.
After the two minutes of silence, people continue to observe the importance of the day, engaging in activities such as laying wreaths and flowers.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
Why is May 4th designated as Remembrance Day in the Netherlands?
Dutch members of former resistance groups and survivors decided to hold silent marches on this day because it is the fffeve of Liberation Day. Later, it became tradition, or [traditie], and this date became a national Remembrance Day.
What did you think of this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting?
Would you participate in the moment of silence with Dutch people this year on Remembrance Day?
Leave us your comments on DutchPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson.

Comments

Hide