World War II veterans watched as military planes flew over a Dutch city as the Netherlands marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation by Allied forces.
The celebrations in Wageningen took place on the square outside the Hotel de Wereld, where on May 5, 1945, top German commanders signed documents that formally ended a brutal five-year occupation as the war in Europe drew to a close.
A small group of veterans, decorated with medals, sat in the front row, wrapped in blankets, watching the ceremony. When they arrived, the crowd gave them a standing ovation.
Germany capitulated on May 8, and that day is now celebrated as Victory in Europe Day.
Liberation Day in the Netherlands is celebrated on May 5, a day after the country observes two minutes of silence in memory of those who died in the war.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans took the opportunity to call for renewed peacekeeping efforts.
“War and aggression have returned to Europe, and now we must defend peace,” he noted.
Mr. Brekelmans' speech was temporarily interrupted by a small group of protesters chanting “Free Palestine.” Police detained five people as Mr. Brekelmans continued his address to the crowd, some of whom booed the demonstrators as they left.
On Sunday, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and others laid wreaths at the national monument in Amsterdam, and hours later, two veterans lit the liberation flame in Wageningen.
Mervyn Kersh, a 100-year-old veteran from Britain, and Nick Janicki, 101, from Canada, lit the flame. About 50 veterans from around the world were expected to attend Monday's celebrations.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
