WILLEMSTAD - The annual remembrance ceremony was held yesterday in Willemstad at the Monument of the Fallen at Waaigat, honoring military personnel and civilians who lost their lives during World War II. A total of 166 names were remembered, as well as victims of more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions. 

The solemn event began at 9:00 AM and was conducted by military personnel from the Dutch Caribbean Defense Command. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the armed forces, including one by the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean (CZMCARIB). Defense representatives emphasized that the Kingdom of the Netherlands remembers all military personnel who gave their lives for peace and security—also in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. 

The memorial is part of the Kingdom’s National Remembrance Day, observed annually on May 4 across the Netherlands and the Caribbean islands.