The liberation fire was lit on Thursday during a performance by Duncan Laurence at the liberation festival in Den Bosch. Visitors enjoy it to the fullest, but pay extra attention to their freedom after the corona crisis and during the war in Ukraine. “A selfie with Rutte is possible with us.”
Hundreds of festival visitors are enjoying the sun on a large field on the Pettelaarsche Schans in Den Bosch. The stage is packed for a performance by Duncan Laurence. While the artist is performing, Prime Minister Rutte, mayor Mikkers and youth mayor Noah light the liberation fire together.
“Being in solidarity with Ukrainians.”
Just before that, Mikkers and Rutte talked about how they experienced Liberation Day with a war in Ukraine. “I hope that today we can celebrate our freedom but also show that we show solidarity with the Ukrainians,” says Rutte.
The war also appears to be the talk of the day among visitors. “Can we do this?” a visitor wonders aloud. “Still, I think we should think about what freedom means right now.”
“My mother actively lived through the war.”
A visitor who sits on the grass with her friends thinks the same way. “My mother actively experienced the war, so I’ve heard stories about that time all my life. We should be grateful that we are free.” This day is extra special for her. “I met my girlfriend at this festival twelve years ago.”
The corona crisis is also alive among the visitors of the festival. “I have always been aware of my freedom, but after the corona crisis I am completely that. I have been so looking forward to this festival,” says a visitor.
“Mark Rutte took the photo himself.”
After his short speech, the Prime Minister makes time for the festival visitors to take pictures and many people eagerly take advantage of that. A visitor is beaming with her phone in her hand. “The prime minister made it himself because I thought he does that more often than I do,” she laughs.
Another man was also able to take a selfie. “Making a selfie with Rutte is possible with us. That is also freedom.”
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