Provincial commemoration 4 May

On the evening of 4 May, the Provincial Commemoration will be held in the Prinsentuin park in Leeuwarden, commemorating the victims of war and violence. The programme is suitable for young and old and begins at 7:30 pm. In addition to the laying of General Wreaths by representatives of various organizations, Mayor Sybrand Buma will deliver a commemorative speech. The theme of this year's commemoration is "Pass on Freedom," focusing on the responsibility to pass on freedom to future generations.

The musical programme will be provided by Brass Band 'Hosannah' and Boaz, the Frisian Ambassador of Freedom on 4 and 5 May. In addition, a poem will be recited by Hanna Sixma, winner of the poetry contest. There are also interviews with Femke Bakker, children's mayor of the municipality of Leeuwarden, and with two artists from Ukraine. Their stories about freedom and peace in their own countries are very inspiring.

A special guest during the commemoration is Canadian veteran Jim Parks and his family. They will be present to commemorate the fallen comrades and to receive the gratitude of the Frisian people for their contribution to the liberation of the Netherlands.

After the commemoration, members of Loopgroep Leeuwarden and A.V. Lionitas will set out for Wageningen to collect the Liberation Fire. The fire will be brought in relay form to Leeuwarden, where it will be used on 5 May at 12:45 p.m. to open the Liberation Festival Fryslân on the Oldehoofsterkerkhof. Rick Boon, son of recently deceased Canadian veteran Art Boon and difference-maker for Fryslân in Wageningen, will be in attendance.

For those unable to attend, the provincial commemoration can be followed live from 7:30 pm via Omrop Fryslân radio, television and the Internet. It is a special opportunity to reflect on our freedom and the responsibility we have to pass it on to future generations.