Commemorations
We commemorate to honor and to prevent history from repeating itself
Attending commemorations
We commemorate to prevent repetition. And we'll continue doing so, even though only a few merchant navy veterans remain among us. The generations that follow now carry the torch.
Furthermore, we continue seeking for ways to emphasize the indispensable role and contribution of our merchant navy in the Second World War. Now and in the future.
Commemoration calender
| Date | Time | Place | Commemoration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Date:
May 4, 2025 |
Time:
10:00 h
|
Place:
Rotterdam
Boompjeskade |
Commemoration:
Commemoration at National Merchant Navy Monument De Boeg. A wreath will be laid on behalf of our foundation. |
|
Date:
May 4, 2025
|
Time:
Doors open
14.30 h |
Place:
LOODS6 - Kompaszaal
KNSM-Laan 311 Amsterdam |
Commemoration:
Commemoration at the KNSM Monument
|
|
Date:
May 4, 2025
|
Time:
20:00 h
|
Place:
Amsterdam
De Dam |
Commemoration:
National Remembrance Day on Dam Square
Commemoration of all civilians and military personnel who died in service of the Kingdom of the Netherlands during World War II and thereafter, in war situations and during peace operations. Every year a wreath is laid here for merchant navy personnel among others. |
|
Date:
May 4, 2025
|
Time:
11:00-11.50 h
|
Place:
Den Helder
Middenweg |
Commemoration:
Commemoration at the monument Voor hen die vielen (For Those Who Fell)
|
|
Date:
May 4, 2025
|
Time:
10:30-11:15 h
|
Place:
Amsterdam
Kop Java-eiland |
Commemoration:
Commemoration at the SMN Monument Seaman on the Lookout
|
|
Date:
May 4, 2025
|
Time:
20:00 h
|
Place:
Rotterdam
Veerhaven /Calandstraat |
Commemoration:
Commemoration at KRL monument
|
|
Date:
September 21, 2025
|
Time:
11:00-12:15 h
|
Place:
Arnhem
Landgoed Bronbeek |
Commemoration:
Commemoration of the victims of the Japanese Naval Transports in Southeast Asia during World War II
|
|
Date:
October 25, 2025
|
Time:
10:30-11:30 h
|
Place:
Vlissingen
Boulevard Evertsen |
Commemoration:
Annual commemoration at the Merchant Navy Monument.
Reception from 09:45 |
|
Date:
December 13, 2025
|
Time:
:00-14:00 h
|
Place:
Amsterdam
monument at the Naval Yard, Kattenburgerstraat 5-7 |
Commemoration:
Commemoration of former students of the Amsterdam Nautical College who died during World War II
|
Calender other activities
| Date | Time | Place | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Date:
January 19, 2025
|
Time:
|
Place:
|
Activity:
Birthday of H.R.H. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Godchild of the Merchant Navy (1943)
|
|
Date:
May 4, 2025 - March 15, 2026 |
Time:
Tue–Sat: 10:00–17:00 |
Place:
Katwijk |
Activity:
Exhibition Sailing for Freedom about the indispensable role of the Dutch merchant navy in WWII. Read more |
|
Date:
June 28, 2025
|
Time:
09:00-17:30 h
|
Place:
The Hague
Malieveld |
Activity:
Dutch Veterans Day. Stichting Koopvaardijpersoneel 1940-1945 will be present with a stand. For full programme: see veteranendag.nl
|
|
Date:
September 5, 6 and 7, 2025
|
Time:
|
Place:
Rotterdam
|
Activity:
World Port Days
|
|
Date:
September 6, 2025 |
Time:
10:00-11:30 h |
Place:
Rotterdam | |
|
Date:
September 16, 2025
|
Time:
10:00-16:30 h
|
Place:
Rotterdam
|
Activity:
Commemoration cruise
|
Commemoration in images
Rememberance Day
The municipality of Rotterdam has made a major effort for the national commemoration of veterans. On Rotterdam herdenkt the monument De Boeg is prominently featured and our (now former) chair Marja Tromp speaks extensively.
Rememberance Day 2021
The mayor of Wassenaar interviewed Stef Rietbergen as part of Remembrance Day 2021. He is the grandson of Captain Rietbergen of the SS Amstelland and a board member of our foundation. He speaks from 5:48.
Memorial service for those lost at sea
Stay informed
Sign up for our digital newsletter and stay informed about our activities, commemorations and relevant information about the Dutch merchant navy during WWII.
We handle your data with care. Read about it in the Privacy statement.
