Commemoration

May 4 and 5 in Den Helder

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A moment to remember, connect, and reflect on freedom.

Commemoration and freedom in Den Helder

On May 4 and 5, remembrance and freedom take center stage at Den Helder. Especially in this city, those days feel close. Den Helder was hit hard during the Second World War. That history is still connected to the city.

At the same time, Den Helder does not just look back. Freedom, peace, and security are tangible themes here even now. The city is working on safety in places where freedom is not a given. In doing so, the significance of May 4 and 5 takes on an extra layer here.

Together with residents and organizations, this period takes shape every year in Den Helder through commemorations, gatherings, and activities. In this way, the meaning of freedom remains visible in the city for everyone who wishes to reflect, participate, or look ahead. View the agenda for the program in Den Helder.

Discover commemorations, gatherings, and activities in Den Helder.

Program around May 4 and 5

Event  Guided tour
Remember the victims of bombings during a short tribute.
Mon 4 May '26
Event
Commemorate the Dutch victims of war and peacekeeping operations at Vijfsprong.
Mon 4 May '26
Event
Commemorate the civilian employees of the former Royal Shipyard at Willemsoord.
Mon 4 May '26
Event
Commemorate the Jewish fellow citizens of Den Helder at a subdued gathering.
Mon 4 May '26
Event
Commemorate two British airmen and join the silent march.
Mon 4 May '26
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Event
Commemorate all war victims on May 4 during the general commemoration of Den Helder.
Mon 4 May '26
Event
Celebrate freedom with live music, food, and a festive atmosphere on May 5th.
Tue 5 May '26
A powerful image for peace.

Free Peace Now poster

The Peace Now poster is also available in Den Helder. Max Kisman's powerful black and white design calls for peace and invites dialogue. Especially in a time of war and polarization, this image sends a clear and human signal.

You can pick up the poster for free at the Tourist Information Point at Willemsoord. Hang it in your window, take it with you, or visibly express your wish for peace with this small gesture.

Pick up Peace Now poster
Elk jaar geeft de stadsdichter woorden aan 4 mei.

Herdenken in woorden

Tijdens de herdenking op 4 mei draagt de stadsdichter van Den Helder elk jaar een gedicht voor. Met woorden die raken, geeft de stadsdichter stem aan herinnering, verlies en vrijheid. Het gedicht vormt ieder jaar een bijzonder moment binnen de herdenking en nodigt uit om stil te staan bij wat 4 mei in Den Helder betekent.

Discover how war, remembrance, and freedom have shaped Den Helder.

Past and Present

The town hall in Den Helder is decorated for May 5th.

Liberation celebrations

In late August 1945, Den Helder celebrated the liberation on a grand scale with commemorations, parades, and festivities throughout the city.

Den Helder the most bombed city

Most bombed city

As a maritime city, Den Helder was a major target, with significant consequences for the port, the city, and its inhabitants.

This casemate was one of the defensive works in Den Helder during the war.

Atlantic Wall

Discover how the war has permanently scarred the dike, the dunes, and the city.

Carillon Den Helder

Monument for the Rescue Service

A remarkable war story about courage, preservation, and returned bells.

Ghost town Den Helder pepper house

Den Helder Ghost Town

Discover the traces of war in a city full of stories

Rijkswerf Den Helder

7 maart 1941

Verslag van een bombardement door een ooggetuige.

Bezoek in Den Helder de locaties die het verhaal van herdenken, bevrijding en herinneren tastbaar maken.

Hier komt de geschiedenis dichtbij

Attractions
Visit this striking building and discover the story of the Atlantic Wall
Attractions
Discover the story of Den Helder, from Wadden Island to naval port

Over ons

Stichting 4 en 5 mei Den Helder organiseert en coördineert de lokale herdenkingen en vieringen rondom de nationale vrijheidsdagen. Ons doel is het levend houden van de herinnering aan de Tweede Wereldoorlog en de oorlogen sindsdien, het herdenken van slachtoffers en het vieren van vrede en vrijheid. Wij verbinden jong en oud door educatie en lokale evenementen, zodat vrijheid nooit vanzelfsprekend wordt.

Wat wij beogen:
• Herdenken: Eervol stilstaan bij oorlogsslachtoffers op 4 mei.
• Vieren: Vrijheid en democratie bewust vieren op 5 mei.
• Educatie: Bewustwording creëren over de waarde van vrijheid, juist voor de nieuwe generaties in Den Helder.

Bestuur:
Bas Ouwens: Penningmeester
Petra Clowting: Secretaris
Carel-Vincent van de Graaff: Lid

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