U.S. military and Dutch soldiers held an American D-Day Flag exhibition ceremony, Feb 4. at Kunsthal Museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The presentation of the D-Day Flag, a symbol of freedom, was an introduction to the upcoming celebration of 75 years of liberation on June 6.
“It is a very special event because it shows the bond between the Dutch and the United States,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Evanhoff, a participant in the ceremony with 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. “You can tell with this event that it is a bond that is continuously getting stronger.”
The D-Day flag that flew on a U.S. Navy ship leading the allied advance at the beaches of Normandy nearly 75 years ago will be returned to America after going on display in the Netherlands Feb. 5 – Feb 17. It also marked the first time ever that the flag was presented in Rotterdam.
“These two flags [American and Dutch] with almost identical colors,” said Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands. “What they do is represent the values that we share, and the message that we have the responsibility to convey in our words, but also in our deeds.”
Hoekstra said it is important that everyone understands the significance of the flag and what it stands for.
America and Netherlands share similar values and that is what makes them special, Hoekstra said. The same values needs to be passed on to future generations so they can experience and enjoy the beauty of their history.
”You can still see that bond between U.S. Soldiers and Dutch soldiers today,” Evanhoff said. “It is nice to see and have camaraderie.”
Ank Bijleveld, the Netherlands Minister of Defense, showed her appreciation for the sacrifices made for the freedom of Netherlands during her speech.
Afterwards, Hoekstra acknowledged the Netherlands for hosting a special ceremony for the flag which demonstrates a strong tie between them and America.
“On behalf of the United States of America, thank you very much for everything you have done for this flag,” said Hoekstra.