Veterans'  Day is being celebrated in The Hague today for the fifth time. During the celebrations, Dutch soldiers are put in the spotlight for their work in conflicts and peace missions around the world.

The day began with a solemn gathering in the Knights' Hall.  Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkendende delivereda speech and sixty soldiers received a remembrance medal for peace operations. This afternoon Crown Prince Willem Alexander will take the salute as 3500 veterans and serving soldiers march past.

The organisation expects 50,000 visitors will visit the market stalls, performances and exhibitions on the Malieveld terrain in a park in the centre of The Hague.

The first Veterans' Day was held in 2005, on 29 June - the late Prince Bernhard's birthday. Prince Bernhard is the father of Queen Beatrix. From now on the event will be held on the last Saturday of June.

Photo: Flikr Steph A.