Reflecting on the 'Remember Together' commemorations

Over the past few days, the Netherlands turned blue and yellow. From Groningen in the far north to Maastricht in the south, and from the coastal town of Harlingen to the city of Utrecht: at more than fifteen locations, thousands of people gathered to mark four years of war in Ukraine.

What stood out this year was the immense spread of initiatives across the country. This wave of engagement was felt in every province, and the extensive media coverage underlines that the cause remains deeply rooted within Dutch society.

National engagement in the media 

National outlets such as NOS and NRC captured the powerful images of the marches and manifestations. In Amsterdam, Het Parool wrote poignantly about the necessity of these gatherings: continued attention is essential to prevent awareness from turning into indifference. That commitment was clearly visible; the commemorations drew large crowds.

Regional broadcasters like L1, RTV Utrecht, and GIC gave a voice to local communities. In Zwolle, the Ukrainian national anthem echoed through the historic city center, while in cities like Middelburg and Harlingen, new collaborations ensured a warm welcome for the local Ukrainian community. In Utrecht, the focus was on human connection, with personal stories and the deep bonds between Dutch and Ukrainian citizens taking center stage at the Utrecht Library (Neude) and the Ukrainian House (Vital’nya).

One unified message 

Although every event had its own character—ranging from silent marches to the protest on Dam Square—the underlying message was unanimous. These commemorations showed that geographical distances disappear when we stand together to reflect on the impact of this war. In every province, the same sincere support for Ukraine emerged, resulting in a powerful and widely supported national tribute.

Our deepest thanks go out to the countless organizers, volunteers, speakers, and attendees who made these days possible. Your dedication ensures that the voice of Ukraine continues to be heard and that we keep the hope for a just peace alive.

Together we stand. Together we remember.