Veterans Day 2026

Good morning. I realize that my entrance today is a bit unusual. And that I’m wearing an outfit that’s unusual for me. There’s a very specific reason for that, but I promise you: I’ll come back to that later. But for now, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you all in Brielle for the Veterans’ Day celebration organized by the municipality Voorne aan Zee. And I’d especially like to extend a special welcome to Retired General Van Uhm, our former Commander of the Armed Forces. It is a great honor to have you here with us today.

Last year, on Veterans Day, I reflected at length on our freedom—and in particular on the special significance that freedom holds for our community. As heirs to the pioneers of freedom, history has placed a special responsibility on our shoulders. We still feel that responsibility very strongly today, and we are committed to fulfilling it.

This became evident last year, particularly in January. The president of one of our most important NATO allies, the United States of America—the country that played a leading role in the liberation of Europe—had made extremely disparaging remarks about the performance of non-American military personnel in Afghanistan. One of our own residents was so offended by this that she took the initiative to issue a statement, and what followed was a subdued yet very outspoken gathering in which we—residents, veterans, and the municipality—stood side by side to express our gratitude to our veterans. It felt good to do that collectively. But that president didn’t stop there. Scenarios that for a long time would have been possible only in seemingly far-fetched Netflix series—such as the United States seriously considering annexing Greenland or kidnapping a foreign head of state, however criminal—became a new reality last year. Trump and his administration make it clear in everything they do: diplomacy is a thing of the past; from now on, it’s no longer the rule of law that applies, but the law of the strongest.

And I cannot emphasize enough just how ominous that attitude is. When one of the largest—and, until recently, most influential—democracies in the world throws diplomacy overboard and henceforth uses its economic and military superiority to get things done, no matter what, that’s the final push to plunge our already precarious world order into further chaos. And that world is already chaotic enough. The Strait of Hormuz is slowly reopening after a completely unpredictable war, with the regime in Iran still firmly in power. China and the United States are increasingly competing for global leadership. Xi Jinping does not yet dare to attack Taiwan, but it is hardly a question of whether that will happen. Russia is currently struggling on the Ukrainian front, but that by no means suggests there are no plans regarding the Baltic States. And then there are the rising powers, such as India, Turkey, and Indonesia. And they are claiming—not entirely unjustifiably, in my view—a seat at the table. And all of this in a world where €12,000 drones can take out €30 million tanks. This week, I heard Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Secretary General of NATO, say: the old world order is crumbling, but we don’t yet know what the new world order will look like. A very uncertain prospect.

And our own country must navigate this precarious and uncertain landscape. Fortunately, that is exactly what is happening. Last year, I already noted that the turmoil in the world around us is leading to a renewed appreciation of our freedom. But to be resilient as a country and as a society, more is needed. We must once again draw inspiration from those who fought for that freedom. And if there is one group of people who have served our country and our freedom, it is you—our veterans! And we need that inspiration. We need it to show new generations how valuable it is to serve one’s country. Because as good as it is that the government is investing an additional 25 billion in defense, we also need men and women for our armed forces. Full-time professionals, but also people who stand ready as reservists. A president of the United States once spoke these wise words: “It is the firm duty of each of our free citizens and of every free citizen everywhere to place the cause of his country before the comfort and convenience of himself.” This statement was made by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. It was a time when dignity was still a standard character trait expected of U.S. presidents. But Eisenhower was not only a president; he was also a veteran. During World War II, he was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. So he knew what he was talking about. And it is precisely that combination of experience and leadership that we need—to demonstrate just how valuable and important service is.

So, now that we have reaffirmed our freedom, let’s take the next step: reaffirming the honor of serving our country. It is a great honor and a great responsibility—but one that rests with all of us. And it is a responsibility that you, our veterans, have taken on. You lead the way and, in doing so, serve as an example and a source of inspiration. 

Ladies and gentlemen, you saw me walk in here this morning as mayor, wearing a uniform. And normally, even in Brielle—where reenactment is almost a way of life—I’m very reluctant to do that. After all, I don’t want to claim achievements or merits that aren’t mine. I’m not a soldier, I’m not a veteran, and I’m not a reservist. I am merely the mayor. By wearing this outfit today and with the video we recorded, I wanted to make a statement. A statement of pride and a statement of gratitude. Proud of and grateful to our veterans. Who have defended our freedom. And who inspire us to stand up for our country once again. And proud of the men and women who follow in their footsteps and also decide to serve our country in their own way: our professional soldiers and reservists. It is an honor to have you here.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you.