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Today was Remembrance Day, where we remember those who died in the Second World War and the wars after. The big ceremony is held on the Dam in Amsterdam and the New Church on the square. Normally the church is filled with those invited and the Dam is filled with thousands of people. This time that wasn't possible. In the church were only those who spoke and several musicians, all following the social distancing rules. On the Dam only the king, queen, representative of politics, military, the chair lady of the Remembrance comity, two scouts (siblings) were there to place some of the wreaths, the girl who read her poem and the military trumpeter were there. And a lot of pigeons (it is the Dam after all).
It was very impressive and touching. More impressive and touching than it would normally have been with all the people filling the church and square. Although the reason for it being empty it's sad, it's also fitting for the 75th anniversary of remembering this.
Tomorrow we celebrate our freedom. This year, like every five years, it's a bank holiday. Each year there are festivals organized all around the country, several chosen musicians flying between the locations. Locally the day is ended with fireworks. Not this year though. I think a lot of people will be thinking about what freedom means for them than normal.
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