CELEBRATION OF THE 65th YEAR COMMEMORATION
TO THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING WWII
This year it is 65 years ago that Holland was liberated from the invaders during the Second World War. This liberation is celebrated on the 5th of May each year in Holland. But before this celebration takes place, the Dutch Kingdom commemorates all those who lost their lives during WWII a day before, on May 4th.
Here in Aruba the liberation is not celebrated, but commemorates all those who lost their lives during the Second World War on May 4th. This year children from two basic schools have been invited to participate in this solemn ceremony. The schools are Pius X School and Fatima College. These school children along with other children will place a total of 65 flowers at the monument to represent the 65 years of freedom.
The organization is extending a special invitation to all those who were in the Kingdom service during WWII, families of those who lost their lives during WWII, those who served in the military service and the public in general to attend the ceremony. Those who are interested can bring flowers to place at the monument after the official ceremony. The dress for this ceremony is black pants, white long sleeve shirt and a dark tie.
The basic program for the solemn ceremony on May 4th starts with raising of the flag in the morning, closing the streets in the vicinity of the monument at Adriaan Lacle Blvd at 5:00pm, as the official program is from 5:45pm – 6:30pm. Arrival of the governor and dignitaries. A silent march by the dignitaries led by His Excellency Governor Fredis Refunjol. A prayer for all those who lost their lives. Placement of a wreath by governor Fredis Refunjol. Two minutes of silence followed by the Dutch and Aruban national anthems. Speech by Prime Minister, Mr. Mike Eman. Placing of a wreath in honor of those who lost their lives and veterans of the war. Declamation of a poet by a youngster. Placing of a wreath by parliament in the name of the government, representatives of Holland in Aruba and also the Savaneta Camp in Savaneta. Then the placing of the 65 flowers by the youngsters of Aruba.
