Today is Liberation Day in the Netherlands, commemorating the end of German occupation, while in the UK it is VE Day (Victory in Europe), celebrating the Allied victory in Europe.

On this day 80 years ago, the Netherlands was liberated by a multinational Allied force, including Canadian, British, American, Polish, Czechoslovak, and Free Dutch soldiers.

In this episode of "The Year of Being 70," co-hosts Lisette, who is Dutch, and Lucy, who is British, explore the intertwined histories of VE-Day in the UK and Liberation Day in the Netherlands, both commemorated in early May. As childhood friends reflecting on their nations' war experiences and the legacies that live on, their conversation offers a poignant look at how the past shapes the present.

Key Highlights

• The shared significance of May 8th as V-Day in the UK and Liberation Day in the Netherlands, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

• The differing realities of occupation and resistance in the Netherlands versus the island defence of the UK, and how these shaped the postwar rebuilding of society.

The Netherlands experienced a more difficult and traumatic occupation, with the mass deportation and murder of the Jewish population, while the UK emerged from the war feeling more victorious, although depleted.

• How both countries saw pushes to rebuild and improve society after the war, though with some differences in approach and priorities. Overall, the discussion highlights how the shared experience of WWII has had lasting impacts on the national psyches and societal developments in the Netherlands and UK, even decades later.

• The personal stories and legacies of war, including the heroism of those who hid and protected Jewish and other targeted populations, and the lasting impact on subsequent generations.

• The contrasting personal experiences of Lisette’s and Lucy’s parents during the war – Lisette’s mother in a camp, and Lucy’s mother’s escape from soon-to-be-occupied France.

• Insights into the parallels and differences, roles and traditions of the Dutch and British royal families’ responses during and after the war, and how they continue to shape national identity.

• How Lucy and Lisette see the impact of growing up in the immediate aftermath of WWll on their generation and their own attitudes.

• Reflections on the fragility of peace and the need to remain vigilant against the forces of tyranny and oppression, as seen in current global conflicts.

Why You Should Listen

This episode offers a unique window into the parallel histories and shared humanity of two nations bound by the trials of World War II. Through the personal perspectives of Lisette and Lucy, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how the past continues to reverberate, shaping societal values, national psyches, and individual lives. The conversation is a poignant reminder of the importance of commemorating the sacrifices of the past, while also reflecting on how to build a more just and peaceful future.

Join the Conversation

What are yours, or your family's, memories of WWll, or the years that followed? How do you think the Second World War has affected your country? What is the legacy from that 6-year conflict on your generation? Do you take part in, or are you moved by the national celebrations and remembrance of VE-Day or Liberation Day?

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