Once upon a time, Europe too was torn by war. People were killed who were different. Now we fight our battles in court and we debate our political differences in the parliament. We managed to protect what is worth protecting because of our independent judiciary and democratic governance.

Today we remember all those who died for our freedom. People who forget the past often forget to cherish the present. But we should not take our freedom and democracy for granted. Vrijheid is niet vanzelfsprekend.

Today, we remember those who sacrificed their lives for the world we live in. Let their sacrifice never be in vain.