May 4th and May 5th are two very important days in the Netherlands. On the 4th of May the Dutch commemorate everyone who lost their lives in World War II and other recent wars such as Iraq, Afghanistan. At 20:00 PM everyone in the Netherlands participates in a two-minute period of silence. If you are on the road, it is common that people stop their cars at the emergency lane to remember those who lost their lives during the war.
On the 5th of May Liberation Day is celebrated among the Dutch. On this day, many festivities are organized. These liberation festivals feature both Dutch and international artists, and are especially popular with the young generation. Besides these festivals, the official launch, which is traditionally held in Amsterdam, is broadcasted on television. There is a concert that takes place in the presence of the royal family and members of the government.