The day starts with a ceremony at the Royal Theatre where the Prime Minister gives a speech and veterans share special personal stories, combined with music and film footage. The King speaks afterwards with several veterans.

In the afternoon, King Willem-Alexander talks with different groups of veterans at the Malieveld and meets the winner of the White Anjer Prize and the winning class of the Kidschallenge.

Dutch Veterans Day is a tribute to all veterans who have served from World War II to the current missions. The aim is to promote social recognition and appreciation for veterans. The day was established by the government and is organized by the National Veterans Day Committee, with support from the Ministry of Defense and societal partners.