On Monday, May 4, 2026,
the Government of Sint Maarten will observe National
Remembrance Day, (“Dodenherdenking”) like the other countries
within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
During this National Commemoration Day, all Dutch victims –
civilians and soldiers – who have been killed in the Kingdom of
the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or
during peace-keeping operations since the outbreak of the
Second World War (WWII) are commemorated.
This year’s theme is “Learning to Understand History”, and the
year 2026 marks 81 years since the ending of WWII.
The regular commemoration ceremony, taking place at the
Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg, will feature several key
elements including an opening prayer by Archdeacon Terrence
Rawlins and the official wreath laying ceremony by His Excellency
the Governor Ajamu Baly, the Honorable President of Parliament
Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, and the Honorable Prime Minister
Dr. Luc Mercelina.
Following the wreath laying, the “Last Post” will be played,
succeeded by two minutes of silence after the tolling of the bells.
This segment will conclude with the Dutch Anthem and Sint
Maarten Song.
Additionally, the top management of various uniformed troops –
Police, Marines, Sint Maarten Voluntary Corps (VKS), and the
Marechaussee – will jointly lay a wreath in honor of the fallen.
As has become tradition, two distinguished guests, Mrs. Elsje
Bosch and Mrs. Bernadine van Veen, wife of the late Mr. Gerard
van Veen, have been invited. Both Bosch and Gerard van Veen
experienced World War II during their childhoods. The two ladies
will lay a wreath on behalf of all the children affected by the fight
for freedom over the years.
This year, Pathfinder Mr. Shodemar Levenstone will present a
poem written by drs. Mrs. Egstorf-Pantophlet from her book “A
different Stick o’ Fire, World War Two in the Caribbean,
fragments of a forgotten Legacy”. Pathfinder Ms. Mo’Riah Stewart
will read an excerpt written by Mrs. Elsje Bosch, describing her
personal emotions and experiences during World War II.
Trumpetist Wilfred Phelipa will accompany the ceremony with his
musical performances.
Furthermore, all invited guests will have the opportunity to lay a
single flower at the War Memorial Monument, which bears the
names of World War II victims primarily from Sint Maarten.
The public is encouraged to attend to attend the ceremony, which
will commence with a march by uniformed law enforcement and
military groups beginning at the front of the Courthouse to the
Captain Hodge Wharf.
The event will also be rebroadcasted on social media. Special
thanks go out to the Port Sint Maarten Group of Companies (PSG)
for annually facilitating this event.
Business owners are reminded to fly their flags at half-mast and
each citizen is encouraged to honor a period of two minutes of
silence, which is considered throughout the Dutch Caribbean at
around 6:00 p.m. The general public that wish to attend can do
so by latest 5:30 p.m. before the official start of the ceremony at
6:00 p.m.