The Netherlands has been liberated for 80 years and that was also extensively celebrated in Breda on Monday. On Kasteelplein there were various festivities with music performances and the occupation with a photo exhibition was considered.
The photo exhibition shows what Breda looked like during the war. “It is confronting to see,” says a mother who and her son watch a picture of a music dome. There are two large banners with swastikas on. “The liberation was a long time ago, but you still feel the terrible things that happened during the war,” says her son.
His mother nods. “It is very important to keep celebrating that there is freedom. Certainly in this time, with so much war in the world. That makes me very aware of our own freedom. I hope that there is soon in the rest of the world.”
Another visitor sees it that way. “These photos show how vulnerable we can be. Certainly now that is important. More than other years I realize it, because so much is happening in the world. I hope that young people realize it too. Freedom is the most important thing.”
In the meantime, a band plays pop songs on a stage. Dancing a handful of older couples, children and a girl in a wheelchair. Others enjoy the music sitting.
A woman has a baby with an orange scarf on her arm. “He celebrates the liberation nicely,” she says laughing. “It is important to reflect on that we live in a free country. Because that is not obvious, especially in these times.”
