May 4: Remembrance Day

On May 4, we commemorate the victims of World War II and the victims of conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which the Netherlands was involved after World War II. You are warmly invited to attend the commemorative ceremonies in Aalten, Dinxperlo, and Bredevoort.

New residents of our community are also warmly welcome, including people from Ukraine and others who had to leave their home countries and are building a new life here. We invite them to join us in reflecting on this day of remembrance.

Aalten, Wehmerstraat Monument

7:30 p.m.           

  • Gather at the monument for a musical interlude
  • Crescendo IJzerlo Christian Music Association
  • Welcome on behalf of the May 4 Committee, by Gerda Brethouwer

7:45 p.m.           

  • Commemoration begins with the ringing of bells
  • Honor Guard for Veterans
  • Tap signal 

8:00 p.m.          

  • Two minutes of silence
  • The Wilhelmus
  • Wreath-laying ceremony by various organizations
  • Opportunity for other attendees to lay flowers
  • Poem by students from Schaersvoorde and IKC De Triangel
  • Recitation by Paul Westmeijer (grandson of Cornelis Ruizendaal)
  • (aka Black Kees)
  • Speech by Mayor Anton Stapelkamp

After the commemoration, you are welcome to Stationsstraat the synagogue on Stationsstraat until 9:00 p.m.

The 4 May Committee of Aalten is responsible for organizing the commemoration in Aalten. This is a collaboration between the National Hiding Place Museum, the synagogue, Schaersvoorde, the Council of Churches, veterans, Aalten Oranje, and the municipality of Aalten.

Dinxperlo, monument at the intersection of Kwikkelstraat andKerkstraat

7:00 p.m.

  • Meet at the Careaz Dr. Jenny residential care center

7:25 p.m.

  • Departure of the silent march to the Jewish Monument on Kwikkelstraat
  • Flower arrangement; The Princess Beatrix General Music Association will provide choral music
  • Continuation of the silent march to the memorial on Kerkstraat
  • The tolling of the bell
  • Tap signal

8:00 p.m.

  •  Two minutes of silence
  • The Wilhelmus
  • Wreath-laying ceremony by local government officials, the VVNF, elementary school students, bereaved family members, and community organizations; the Christian Fanfare Corps Psalm 150 will provide choral music
  • Short presentations by elementary school students and a few adult speakers
  • Speech by Alderman Groters

After the memorial service, there will be an opportunity to have a cup of coffee at the Church Center.

The VVNF is organizing the commemoration in Dinxperlo.

Bredevoort, the Ambtshof monument Ambtshof the herb garden

7:45 p.m.           

  • The commemoration begins with the ringing of the bell at St. George’s Church
  • Music by BAMM
  • Opening ceremonies and wreath-laying ceremonies with music
  • Wreath-laying ceremony by the Aalten municipal government
  • Tap signal

8:00 p.m.

  • Two minutes of silence
  • The Wilhelmus
  • Wreath-laying ceremonies on behalf of Bredevoort by the Prinses Margriet Gymnastics Club and veterans
  • Speech by Alderman van Lochem
  • Music BAMM
  • Speech by Hans de Graaf
  • Poem by the children and closing remarks
  • Fashion show with music

After the commemoration, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee at the Koppelhuis.

The organization of the commemoration in Bredevoort is in the hands of the Bredevoort May 4 Committee (Bredevoorts Belang).