We talk a lot about history. But what questions do we ask ourselves about this date? Victory Day is not just a date. It is our mirror.
Today is a good moment to evaluate ourselves:
Who were we?
Who are we now?
And who do we want to become?
Instead of holding traditional ceremonies or parades that many no longer attend…
Instead of filling the air with words for a small satisfied group…
Let us today, 26 February, answer honestly for ourselves these simple questions about what happened on 26 February 1804.
Are you ready for the challenge?
They did not bend… what about you?
Questions
1. Who defended Curaçao in 1804 — Dutch soldiers, local militia, or the people?
2. Who was better prepared, and if the people of Curaçao had fewer weapons than the British Empire, how did they manage to resist?
3. What does “victory” mean, and explain how Curaçao later became a colony again and was conquered by Great Britain? Do you remember when and how? What lesson do you take from that?
4. Are our children taught this history in schools the way it should be?
5. If this event had happened in another country, would it be celebrated more extensively? Why? Explain.
6. What can we learn from 1804 about unity under pressure?
7. Are we more dependent today than we were in 1804?
8. What is the modern form of “invasion” in our time? Economic? Cultural? Digital?
9. Do we have the same spirit of resistance if such a serious situation were to happen again today?
10. Is Victory Day a celebration… or a call to examine our conscience?
Finally, who are the key individuals you remember who fought from 31 January to 26 February, and where did the battles take place?
Will we bend now in 2026? Explain.