Commemoration in Dronten

- REMEMORATING BIGLY IN A PLACE WHICH WAS NOT THERE AT THE TIME -

Foundation 4 May Commemoration Dronten

Stichting 4 Mei Herdenking Dronten aims to organize activities around the annual commemoration of the dead in Dronten. The commemoration is special because of the years of presence of former Airgunners from Great Britain.

In the center is the monument containing the propeller of the Lancaster ED 357 on the Meerpaalplein. The memorial is in memory of all killed allied aircrew.

This website informs you about the activities of the Stichting 4 Mei Herdenking Dronten and the history of commemoration in Dronten.

Program around May 4

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Remembering and celebrating

Around May 4th we organize various activities. On May 4th the commemoration meeting in De Meerpaal and the commemoration on the Meerpaalplein. In addition, on May 5th we donate the Freedom Soup. We also offer appealing activities together with primary schools and secondary education. In our Airgunnersroom we receive interested parties to tell them about the history of commemoration in Dronten.

Program May 4

Freedom is learned in the classroom

We believe it is important that children and young people understand why the annual commemoration on 4 May is important. How do you explain to children what freedom means if they have always lived in freedom? Stories from the past need to be told. Together with our partners, we offer guest lessons and lesson programmes. Especially for young people aged 10 to 18. If desired, customisation is possible.

Activities calendar

Crash pole route

During World War II, several aircraft crashed in Eastern Flevoland. Many of these aircraft were found and recovered during the draining of the polder. In 2008, the idea arose to mark the sites with a memorial pole. In total, there are 19 memorial poles in Eastern Flevoland, which together form the Crashpalenroute.

To the route

News

Recap commemoration May 4, 2025

On May 4, 2025, the Remembrance Day ceremony took place in Dronten. The large crowd on the square, the invited guests, wreath layers, music and singing, the speech, and the poem made a deep impression. This year, we commemorated the end of World War II, which occurred 80 years ago.

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