The National War Monument in Amsterdam
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In May 1945, the Canadians, British and Americans liberated my country from the Nazis and since then, on the forth of May, the Queen and my people commemorate the dead, all those souls who lost their lives during the war and occupation. And every year, on that day, before the clock strikes eight in the evening, the Queen appears from her palace and bows to the Dutch flag flying at half-mast at the National War Monument. She addresses her government and nation and speaks beautiful words about growing towards a loving, compassionate and tolerant world without war, where people can live in peace and freedom; words of solidarity with troubled nations.
At eight o’clock sharp, the entire Dutch nation comes to a complete standstill. No car, clogs, bicycle, bus, boat, wheel barrel, truck, tram, train, plane or people will move. For the next two minutes, the entire country is silent. Reflecting, crying, and praying for the well-being of other nations. Then the Dutch flag is hoisted to the masthead while the nation sings their national anthem.
One day later, on the fifth of May, the Dutch celebrate Liberation Day. All happy people; young and old, thin and fat, tall and even taller, smart and stupid, black and white, gay and straight, males and females and anything in between, yes, they all celebrate freedom; freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of politics and freedom of way of life, yes, they celebrate total freedom and self-determination. They are proud to live in the most liberated and liberal country in the world.
At eight o’clock sharp, the entire Dutch nation comes to a complete standstill. No car, clogs, bicycle, bus, boat, wheel barrel, truck, tram, train, plane or people will move. For the next two minutes, the entire country is silent. Reflecting, crying, and praying for the well-being of other nations. Then the Dutch flag is hoisted to the masthead while the nation sings their national anthem.
One day later, on the fifth of May, the Dutch celebrate Liberation Day. All happy people; young and old, thin and fat, tall and even taller, smart and stupid, black and white, gay and straight, males and females and anything in between, yes, they all celebrate freedom; freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of politics and freedom of way of life, yes, they celebrate total freedom and self-determination. They are proud to live in the most liberated and liberal country in the world.
To me freedom and freedom of speech are the most important things that matter to me. Though I haven't lived in the Netherlands for over 9 years now and abandoned most western and Dutch traditions including Christmas, I still celebrate the fact that I was born in a free country. I now live in Thailand (Prathet Thai, as the Thais call their country) which literally means: The Land of the Free.
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my country calls itself "The Land Of the Free"...(however, certain restrictions may apply).
ReplyDeleteIf you don't say anything negative about the Thai Royals, Buddha and Buddhism, there are very few restrictions and you can feel as free as you want in Thailand.
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