Remembrance Day 2026

During the annual Remembrance Day, on Monday 4 May, we pause to reflect on all civilians and military personnel who have died in war situations and peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of the Second World War. This year’s national theme is ‘Understanding history’. This theme highlights the importance of knowledge about the past. By understanding how conflicts arise and how groups of people can be excluded, we grow more aware of how vital freedom, democracy and the rule of law are in protecting everyone. You are cordially invited to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony in Pijnacker or Nootdorp.

Programme PijnackerFrom 7:00 PM to 7:35 PM, you are welcome to attend the remembrance service at the RK Church Joannes de Dooper on Oostlaan. During this gathering, the Oratoriumkoor Cantando Pijnacker will perform and Mayor Björn Lugthart will deliver a commemorative address. Around 7:40 PM, a silent procession will depart for the monument in Emmapark. The procession will be accompanied by the muffled drums of Muziekvereniging Haaglanden. An honour guard from Scouting Pijnacker will stand at the monument, and Muziekvereniging Excelsior Pijnacker will provide the music. At 8:00 PM, two minutes of silence will be observed. During the national anthem, a number of veterans from our municipality will present the salute. This will be followed by speeches from several attendees, including Child Mayor Borre van den Bos. On behalf of the municipal council, the mayor and a councillor will lay a wreath at the monument. Other organisations will also lay wreaths or floral tributes. Visitors will receive a flower to lay at the monument during the procession.

Programme NootdorpAt 7:15 PM, a solemn and simple remembrance ceremony will begin in the Dorpskerk on Dorpsstraat. During this gathering, musical pieces will be performed and texts will be recited by Alderman Bart van Straten and members of Scouting Nootdorp. At 7:45 PM, a short walk will follow to the monument next to the Town Hall. Scouting Nootdorp will distribute flowers for visitors to lay at the monument. Harmonie Nootdorp will provide the music. Alderman Bart van Straten and a councillor will lay a wreath on behalf of the municipal council. The board of the Oranjevereniging will also lay a wreath. At 8:00 PM, two minutes of silence will be observed. After this, those present will sing the national anthem, and visitors can lay their flowers at the monument.

Road closures

During the remembrance ceremonies, there will be temporary road closures between 7:15 PM and 8:30 PM.

Pijnacker

• Oostlaan (between the roundabout and Vlielandseweg/Klapwijkseweg)
• Intersection Oostlaan/Vlielandseweg

Nootdorp

• Dorpsstraat (entry side closed at the intersection Molenweg/Oudeweg/Dorpsstraat/Kerkweg)

How can you commemorate?

There are several ways you can participate in the national remembrance:

• Fly the Dutch flag at half-mast from 6:00 PM until sunset (9:10 PM).
• Observe the two minutes of silence from 8:00 PM to 8:02 PM.
• Preferentially avoid holding entertainment events on 4 May or take the remembrance moment into account.
• Pause music and other activities between 7:45 PM and 8:15 PM.

More information

Would you like to lay a wreath or floral tribute, or do you have any questions about the Remembrance Day ceremony in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp? Please contact Claudia van der Elst or Nicole Hulst by email or call 14 015.

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