Nationale Herdenking 15 augustus 2026
- Time
- 18:45 to 20:00
- Where
- Indisch Monument, The Hague
- Province
- Zuid-Holland
- Scope
- National
- Type
- Observance
The Netherlands marks the formal end of the Second World War for the Kingdom on Saturday 15 August 2026 with the Nationale Herdenking 15 augustus 1945, the national commemoration at the Indisch Monument in The Hague. The ceremony runs from 18:45 to 20:00; the grounds open at 17:00. The commemoration honours all victims of the war against Japan and the occupation of the former Dutch East Indies.
The date matters because the war did not end for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in May 1945. It ended with the capitulation of Japan on 15 August 1945, and this ceremony is the national moment for that history.
The 2026 ceremony
The 2026 theme is Groeien in bewustzijn; luisteren, begrijpen en doorgeven (growing in awareness; listening, understanding and passing on). Author Maddy Stolk is the main speaker, with contributions from Isabelle Smit, Mei Li Vos and Amara van der Elst and music by Marlon Pichel and Talita Angwarmasse. Wreaths are laid at the monument and the ceremony closes with a défilé past it. NOS broadcasts the commemoration live on NPO 1 and NPO Radio 1 until 20:00.
Practical information
The ceremony at the Indisch Monument in the Scheveningse Bosjes, on the Prof. Teldersweg, is free, public and requires no registration. New for 2026: reserved seating for general attendees has been abolished. Donors of the organising foundation have designated sections; everyone else sits freely while seats last.
Earlier in the day, Bar Bungkus opens from 12:00 with intergenerational conversation tables organised by Jong1508, alongside cultural programming at Het Nationale Theater and other venues in The Hague.
Common questions
Do I need a ticket?
No. The commemoration is free and open to everyone without registration. Under the 2026 policy, seating outside the donor sections is first come, first served.
What time should I arrive?
The grounds open at 17:00 and the ceremony starts at 18:45.
What does the commemoration mark?
The capitulation of Japan on 15 August 1945, the formal end of the Second World War for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and all victims of the war against Japan and the occupation of the former Dutch East Indies.
Can I watch from home?
Yes. NOS carries the ceremony live on NPO 1 and NPO Radio 1 until 20:00.
Who organises it?
Stichting Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945. The ceremony is held annually at the Indisch Monument in The Hague.