Dutch Veterans' Day: last Saturday of June

The country pays homage to veterans who served the Netherlands in wars or international peacekeeping operations on the last Saturday of June closest to 29 June. The date was symbolically chosen because it was the birthday of the late Prince Bernhard who was the father of Queen Beatrix and a war veteran himself.

Although Dutch Veterans' Day focuses on acknowledging and showing appreciation for war veterans, the events in The Hague also feature many activities that are fun and exiting for everyone. There are festivities on Malieveld, a huge parade and a flyby of many different kinds of jets, airplanes and helicopters over the Hofvijver.

Parade and flyby

Even with all the festivities on Malieveld, the most eye-catching activity of the day is the parade of veterans and paratroopers in which approximately 3,500 ex-servicemen and women take part. It is a huge happening with an additional 1,000 current servicemen and women, historical and modern military equipment and 13 military bands marching along. In 2008 some 55,000 spectators lined the parade route through the city centre.

During the parade the Royal Dutch Air Force performs a spectacular flyby from Malieveld towards the Hofvijver.

For additional information on the annual Dutch Veterans Day and its full programme visit: www.veteranendag.nl.