The National Committee for 4 and 5 May
The National Committee helps determine how meaning is given to commemorating and celebrating and to how the memory of the Second World War is kept alive.
It organises the national observance of Remembrance Day on 4 May and the national celebration of Liberation Day on 5 May. In addition, it provides advice and support to the organisers of commemoration ceremonies held elsewhere in the country, and it organises public information programmes and campaigns. The National Committee also initiates educational programmes and carries out applied research on the commemoration of victims of war and the celebration of liberation and freedom. Over the years, it has developed into the foremost centre of expertise when it comes to such commemorations and celebrations.
The National Committee for 4 and 5 May was established by royal decree on 27 November 1987. The members of the National Committee are appointed by royal decree on the recommendation of the prime minister and the state secretary of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport for a period of six years. The members are generally not eligible for reappointment.
Their primary duties involve giving direction, substance and form to commemorations and celebrations and to keeping alive our memory of the Second World War.
The core tasks of the National Committee for 4 and 5 May are:
- to organise the annual national observance of Remembrance Day on 4 May
- to organise the annual national celebration of Liberation Day on 5 May
- to pursue an information policy that aims to increase the public’s sense of involvement with and participation in commemorations and celebrations
- to facilitate the coordination of both national and local events.