Extra Security Measures Announced for National Memorial in Amsterdam on May 4th

The Amsterdam Triangle and the National Committee 4 and 5 May, in consultation with the National Coordinator for Terrorism and Security (NCTV), have announced additional measures for the National Memorial on Dam Square in Amsterdam on May 4th.

The reason is that there is more tension in society and a great willingness to act, says Mayor Halsema. “I assume that it will be respected. The National Memorial has great symbolic meaning for all Dutch people and I assume that no one will think of disturbing it.”

As the police and the NCTV have indications that there is a possibility of spontaneous protests and riots, visible and invisible measures will be taken.

This means that the number of people attending the memorial will be cut in half. Although 20,000 people usually attend the National Memorial, this year there will be 10,000.

Visitors will also be screened in advance, including flags, flagpoles and sound amplification equipment. The Amsterdam triangle understands that these measures do not guarantee an uninterrupted memory.

Halsema: “An empty dam is the only way you can guarantee a riot-free memorial. But the National Committee doesn’t want that and neither do we.”

If something happens, the police will act quickly and do everything they can to ensure that the memorial continues with dignity, the mayor said. She emphasizes that the situation regarding terrorist threats has not changed. “We do not see a greater risk than in other years. “

The chairman of the May 4 and 5 National Committee, Wim van de Donk, does not believe that the different measures will give the commemoration a different feel. “Ten thousand people is still a lot and the timing itself is really good, so I think it won’t be too bad. The memorial itself won’t look different, it will stay the same .”

“We will commemorate with honor. Let’s not use it to protest against any horror. This is the time we celebrate the Second World War. The people who fought for the freedom of the Netherlands. call from Halsema.