Thousands of former service personnel gathered on in The Hague on Friday morning to mark Veterans’ Day to honour the 140,000 soldiers who served in World War II, in Indonesia and on numerous peace-keeping missions.

The white carnation has become the official symbol for veterans in memory of prince Bernhard, their official protector, who was rarely seen without one in his button hole.
Over 200 soldiers from across the armed services will be awarded medals during a ceremony on the Malieveld in The Hague. Later, some 5,000 veterans, most of whom are aged between 50 and 90, will join a march-past with crown prince Willem-Alexander taking the salutes.