Chairman of the House Martin Bosma laid a wreath at the Indisch Monument in The Hague on the evening of August 15, together with First Chamber Chairman Jan Anthonie Bruijn. The annual national commemoration of the victims of World War II in the former Netherlands East Indies took place here. A day earlier, the usual commemoration was held in the hall of the House of Representatives, where Bosma gave a speech.

At both commemorations, Bosma and Bruijn laid a wreath on behalf of the States General. King Willem-Alexander gave a speech at the Indisch Monument. On August 15, 1945, Japan capitulated, marking the end of World War II for Southeast Asia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Indische Plaque

Every year on August 14, the Foundation Commemoration August 15, 1945 organizes a short, private commemoration in the presence of the Presidents of both Chambers, Members of Parliament, and representatives of involved organizations at the Indische plaque in the building of the House of Representatives. This memorial for all victims of World War II in the former Netherlands East Indies was unveiled on August 15, 1985. The plaque is now located in the hall of the temporary accommodation of the House of Representatives on Bezuidenhoutseweg. Once the renovation of the Binnenhof is completed, the plaque will return to its familiar place. 


Speakers on August 14

Thom de Graaf, chairman of the National Commemoration Foundation August 15, 1945, spoke first during the commemoration on August 14. Chairman Bosma and Silfraire Delhaye, representative of the Indisch-Moluccan and Chinese community, followed afterwards.


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