Today, May 4th, in the Netherlands, it is memorial day; a moment to remember in silence the high price paid for the freedom we enjoy today. Tomorrow, on Liberation Day, we celebrate this freedom. And we’re really lucky to live in one of the most free countries in the world.
Free to express ourselves the way we want. Free to go where we want to go, or stay where we want to stay. The freedom to be who you want to be. Really free in our minds, to dream and try make those dreams real. Free to disagree with each other, and see things differently. Free to be as creative as your imagination allows.
It’s a beautiful aspiration, with a terrible price tag.
All the more important to always remember those who paid that price. Who paid that price not for you, not for me, not for themselves. But because it was the right thing to do.
Being that courageous isn’t easy. If you, like me, have never seen your courage challenged, be humble and know that doing the right thing isn’t the easy or obvious thing to do. Know that you may need that other person’s courage to defend your freedom, and that freedom is not a personal thing, but something that belongs to all. Give freedom to ensure your own future freedom. Be grateful, and never forget.