The Veterans Note is the annual review of the implementation of veteran policy. It covers the many activities that were organized in 2024. For example, the opening of the permanent exhibition about the Dutch East Indies at the museum and home for veterans Bronbeek. Or the celebration of 10 years of the Veterans Act with a symposium. The Veterans Day will of course receive attention, just like the celebration of 35 years of the National Veterans Platform.
Currently, the Netherlands has more than 101,000 veterans. Compared to last year, that is an increase of 300. The percentage of female veterans is steadily increasing and now stands at 6.8 percent of the total population. The largest group of veterans is aged between 41 and 50 years. Over the past year, more than 900 veteran passes have been issued.
Another notable figure from the report concerns the educational program Veteran for the Class. Over the past year, 54,201 students have been reached, which is almost double compared to 2022. Additionally, 250 municipalities in the Netherlands now have a white anjerperk. With this, the municipalities honor the veterans from their own area.
Return Trips
Since 2022, 168 Dutchbat III veterans have participated in a return trip to Srebrenica. The trips contribute to processing the past. The mission in the 90s was “exceptional and incomparable,” states Brekelmans in the letter to the House, “and there was too little attention for the Dutchbatters when they returned.”
Defence has consulted with experts to consider whether return trips should also be organized for veterans of other missions. However, the circumstances faced by Dutchbat III were so unique that broadening this approach is not likely. Moreover, it is currently unsafe in many of the former mission areas. Notably, the permanent parliamentary committee for Defence recently joined a return trip to Srebrenica. This contributed to strengthening the ties between politics, the Bosnian community, and the Dutchbat III veterans.
The rules in the Veterans Act and the Veterans Decision will continue to apply in the future. However, due to changes in the world and the security situation, it is necessary to make clearer choices within those rules. Defence, together with organizations involved in veteran policy, has thought about the future of this policy. Thus, there will be more attention to preventing problems, especially in the areas of recognition, appreciation, support, and care. The policy focuses primarily on recovery and is based as much as possible on scientific research.