Veterans' Day (Netherlands)

Veterans' Day in the Netherlands (Dutch: Nederlandse Veteranendag) is an annual event held on the last Saturday of June to honor all Dutch veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in any military capacity, whether during wartime, peacekeeping operations, or humanitarian missions, for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The day serves as a national platform to recognize their contributions and sacrifices. It is marked by a large parade in The Hague, the political center of the Netherlands, attended by veterans, government officials, and members of the Royal Family. The parade typically features military vehicles, marching bands, and veterans organizations.

Beyond the parade, Veterans' Day in the Netherlands involves various ceremonies, memorial services, and public events held across the country. These events aim to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face, promote understanding of their service, and offer support to veterans and their families.

The emphasis is on showing appreciation and respect to those who have served the nation. While the holiday shares conceptual similarities with Veterans Day in the United States or Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries, it has a distinct character focusing specifically on the recognition of Dutch veterans and their contributions to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and global peace efforts. It is not a national holiday in the sense of a day off work for the general population.