On 4 May, the Netherlands pauses to remember all those who died in wars and peacekeeping operations since 1940. The main national ceremony takes place at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam, attended by the royal family and members of cabinet. At 20:00 sharp, two minutes of silence falls across the entire country — traffic stops, public transport halts, and crowds on the Dam bow their heads. Wreath-laying, speeches, and music mark the evening. Shops are required to close by 19:00. Even if you cannot attend in person, stepping outside for the two-minute silence is a meaningful way to mark the day.