Veteran's Day 2012 in The Hague

The annual gathering of Dutch veterans took place today in The Hague. The weather was very Dutch; we used the parasol and the rain cover for the pram, visitors used their umbrellas adorned in short sleeves.... but that took nothing away from the day. It was as usual a great day.

The highlights were again the procession of veterans through the city centre, the military flypass followed by soaking up the atmosphere on the Malieveld. The sounds and atmosphere of Veteran's day are special by themselves; the sounds of veterans catching up in the blue and yellow striped marquees, chatting and laughing over beer and nasi; the roar of military vehicles over the field; the laughter and delight of children climbing towers and sitting on tanks and planes;  the galloping of horses; the military bands. It's a special day. Not just for the veterans themselves, but all those who witness the spectacle.

Here are some photos which capture the day.

The Military Flypast
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

Military Aircraft in the Clouds During the Flypast
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

A picture that looks like it could be decades old - but was taken today in the centre of The Hague
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

Crown Prince Willem-Alexander on the Malieveld
in The Hague for Veteran's Day
Photo: (c) Lars van Mulligen

"Vergeet Ons Niet" - the message of this band playing on the Malieveld today, highlighting the plight of
Papua New Guineans
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, greeting veterans (and their wives) today in The Hague
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

A Veterans Day sand sculpture
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

Dutch military presence (past and present) highlighted on
a mile post
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen

A UN vehicle
Photo: (c) Amanda van Mulligen