May 4-5Liberation Day, or National Day, in the Netherlands celebrates May 5, 1945, the day on which the Nazi forces were driven out of Holland by the Allies. Although the Dutch had succeeded in remaining neutral during World War I, the country was invaded by the Nazis in May 1940 and rapidly overrun. Despite the occupation, however, the Dutch managed to make a significant contribution to the Allied cause by building up an effective resistance. The liberation of Holland in 1945, in which the resistance played a leading part, was an important step toward the subsequent defeat of the Nazis.
Many Dutch cities hold special concerts on this day. Special commemorations are held in Amsterdam and around the country on May 5 each year, as well as on May 4, Remembrance Day.
CONTACTS:
National 4 and 5 May Committee
Nieuwe Prinsengracht 89
Amsterdam, 1018 VR Netherlands
31-20-718-3500; fax: 31-20-718-3501
www.4en5mei.nl
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 77 (c)