The wars in Ukraine and Gaza give the May 4 commemoration and Liberation Day a different meaning. What do young people think about it? Are they willing to fight for our country?
Emiel de Boer (23) from Groningen
“The Remembrance Day on May 4 means something to me. I always follow the two minutes of silence behind the TV. I grew up with that at home. I personally have no direct ties with the Second World War, not even through my family. So I may have less feeling about that war than others. I do think it is important that May 4 and 5 are maintained.
Ukraine did bring the war closer, especially in the early days. Then I wondered: where is this going? It has now toned down. I don’t follow the news about it anymore either. I try not to worry about it too much. I live my own life here.
Sometimes I am now aware that there could be war here too. If we are attacked, I would definitely join the army. In national interest. I love the Netherlands; We are doing well here, it could hardly be better. But also for democracy. I really couldn’t live in North Korea. In any case, I think that conscription should return, at least 1 to 2 years. At least for social work.
I’m going to have a party on May 5. I’ve always done that since I was 16. I celebrate it in Zwolle, because I am originally from Zwartsluis.”
Nina Spoor (23) from Groningen
“On May 4, I always observe a two-minute silence at 8 p.m. Then I take a moment to think about all the deaths that occurred during the war. Some of my family members experienced the war firsthand. My pake was in a labor camp. That was discussed at home with my parents. I think Remembrance Day is part of it.
It’s not that I experience it differently because of Ukraine and Gaza. For me it has no more meaning than it used to have. To be honest, I don’t follow it anymore either. I know it’s happening. Recently I realized: the war in Ukraine has been going on for so long. Why don’t they stop fighting and make peace? But yeah, apparently it’s not that easy.
Would I join the army myself if the Netherlands were attacked? Wow, what a difficult question. If I really have to, I would. I am proud of our country. Many things are very well arranged here, for example the healthcare in which I work myself.
The party is on May 5. It’s always fun, everyone is cheerful, the flag is flying everywhere. That’s what I grew up with.”
Storm (18) from Grijpskerk
“Yes, I will on May 4th. I usually sit at home in the living room with my parents at 8 p.m. Then we are silent for two minutes and remember the dead. I think that’s important. It is not taken for nothing. Then you can at least spare a minute for it.
The war in Ukraine has always been close to home for me personally. My mother is Russian. Her family lives in Russia. My mother has been there several times during this war. That was pretty scary. She was near Rostov. We suddenly heard that the city was captured by Wagner’s mercenary army. Then you’re shocked.”
I was born in the Netherlands, but have often been to Russia. Yet I feel more Dutch than Russian. I would also like to fight for the Netherlands, but I would never volunteer. Many Russians do not want to fight us at all. On the other hand, if I were called up, I wouldn’t let myself be rejected.
I wish I could celebrate May 5, but I work in the catering industry. So far I have only had to work on May 5.”
Bodhi Vredenberg (24) from Groningen
“I always celebrate Remembrance Day. When I’m with my parents, we always sit on the couch and watch TV. It has been important from an early age. Many people from my family have worked in Defense. Then you will get it. In my student house I always watch with my roommates.
I’m not afraid of the war. Well, if one were to break out here. I also do not follow the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as might be expected of a student. When the war broke out in Ukraine, I did. As time went on, interest waned.
If the Netherlands is attacked, I will take up arms. At least that’s what I’ve always said. When the moment comes and you have the opportunity to run away with everything you love, maybe you will. It’s hard to predict how you’ll react when the time comes. Still, I think I can get myself to fight. I wouldn’t fight for the nation, I don’t attach much importance to that. For freedom.”
I’m not going to celebrate May 5th. I’m going to do some work for family, so I’ll be busy all weekend.”
