4 mei monument

Updated October 31, 2025

## 4 mei monument (Almere): how to visit, what you’ll see, and why it matters

Almere commemorates the Netherlands’ Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) at several sites, including the memorial zone around **Weg 1940–1945** in the **Bos der Onverzettelijken** (“Forest of the Unyielding”). If you’re planning a respectful visit—or you’ll be in town on **4 May at 20:00**, when the nation pauses for two minutes of silence—this guide covers the essentials with practical detail and verified context.

**Location (map-ready):** 52.3828543, 5.2413647 — **Weg 1940–1945, Almere**. The memorial field sits within the Bos der Onverzettelijken; the site lists **Weg 1940–1945 nr. 8, 1318 EL** as the address for the main monument zone. [ Der Onverzettelijken](https://bosderonverzettelijken.nl/monument/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

### What the “4 mei monument” refers to in Almere

Unlike cities with a single central memorial, Almere’s commemorative landscape is **distributed**:

– **Bos der Onverzettelijken memorial field (Weg 1940–1945).** This is the setting most visitors mean by “the 4 May monument” in Almere. It anchors local remembrance activity and houses newer memorial art related to WWII (details below). [ Der Onverzettelijken](https://bosderonverzettelijken.nl/monument/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **‘De Dolfijn’ (Almere Haven).** The annual 4 May procession and ceremony in Almere Haven culminate at the **‘De Dolfijn’** monument on the Markt. Local notices regularly direct attendees to gather at **De Goede Rede** church before the silent march to the square. If your plan is to **attend the ceremony itself**, this is where the formal program occurs. (https://www.almeredezeweek.nl/nieuws/algemeen/63605/herdenken-in-almere-op-4-mei?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Both sites belong to the same commemorative fabric; the **national two-minute silence at 20:00** is observed across the country, including Almere. [ Comité 4 en 5 mei](https://www.4en5mei.nl/english/may-4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## What you’ll see at Weg 1940–1945 (Bos der Onverzettelijken)

### The memorial field & context
The Bos der Onverzettelijken is a purpose-planted forest and remembrance landscape in South Flevoland. It includes a **memorial field** used on remembrance occasions and as a quiet, year-round place for reflection. The foundation behind the site confirms the **Weg 1940–1945** address and provides historical background for Remembrance Day and the later 15 August commemoration of the war’s end in the former Dutch East Indies. [ Der Onverzettelijken](https://bosderonverzettelijken.nl/monument/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### “Rise” — the Short Stirling aircrew memorial
One of the most striking pieces here is **“Rise”**, a bronze of a RAF pilot seated on an actual **Bristol Hercules engine block** recovered from the **Short Stirling BK716** bomber that crashed in the IJsselmeer (now Markermeer) after a mission in March 1943. The sculpture and engine form the core of the memorial, unveiled in **2021** to honor the **seven airmen** (five British, two Canadian) who died in the crash. [ Comité 4 en 5 mei](https://www.4en5mei.nl/oorlogsmonumenten/zoeken/4604/almere-rise?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

If you’ve read about the 2020 recovery of the Short Stirling wreck and subsequent memorial placement in Almere: those accounts refer to this same story and the artwork’s installation on the **memorial field** within the Bos der Onverzettelijken. [ Almere](https://www.visitalmere.com/en/locations/2011767010/short-stirling?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

> **Why it matters:** “Rise” is not a generic statue; it includes a **real wartime engine** recovered from the lakebed, making the connection to the crew immediate and tangible. For many visitors, that specificity is what lingers.

—

## Attending Remembrance Day (4 May) in Almere

– **Time & national observance.** Throughout the Netherlands, **two minutes of silence begin at 20:00** on 4 May. Trains stop, shops pause, and ceremonies are synchronized. Plan to be **in place by ~19:50**. [ Comité 4 en 5 mei](https://www.4en5mei.nl/english/may-4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Local program (Almere Haven).** The city’s formal program typically assembles at **De Goede Rede** (Kerkgracht) and proceeds in a silent march to **‘De Dolfijn’** on the Markt, where the official ceremony is held. Recent schedules published locally reflect this pattern; check close to the date for any updates. (https://www.almeredezeweek.nl/nieuws/algemeen/63605/herdenken-in-almere-op-4-mei?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Alternative/quiet remembrance.** If you prefer a reflective visit outside the ceremony times, the **Bos der Onverzettelijken** at **Weg 1940–1945** offers a contemplative setting. On 4 May itself, flags here have been flown at half-mast and flowers laid during years when the public ceremony moved online; in ordinary years it remains a dignified place to pay respects. [ City Marketing](https://www.almere-citymarketing.nl/virtuele-dodenherdenking-in-almere-op-4-mei/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

> **Note on variability:** Local programming (assembly locations, musical components, student readings) can vary year-to-year. Always check the **Comité 4 en 5 mei Almere** channels in the week leading up to 4 May for exact timings. (https://4en5meialmere.nl/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Practical visiting info

### Getting there
– **By bike or on foot:** From central Almere Stad, the memorial field at **Weg 1940–1945** is reachable via city bike paths. Allow time; the forest is expansive and signage is intentionally low-key to preserve the setting. (Bring a map app and use the coordinates above.)
– **Public transport:** Use Almere Stad or Almere Muziekwijk stations and continue by bus or bike; route options change periodically—verify your bus line the day of travel in the Dutch transit planner (9292) or NS app.
– **Parking:** Limited street parking exists near the forest entrances; on ceremony evenings, arrive early and expect crowd management. (Exact allocations aren’t fixed—follow on-site directions.)

### Accessibility & etiquette
– **Paths:** Surfaces are mostly level **forest paths** and open field; mobility can depend on recent weather.
– **Quiet behavior:** Keep voices low, especially at or near 20:00 on 4 May.
– **Photography:** Discreet photos are usually fine; during ceremonies follow marshals’ guidance and avoid obstructing wreath layers, veterans, next-of-kin, or readers.
– **Inclusivity:** Ceremonies in Almere intentionally involve youth (poetry/readings) and community representatives; it is a civic, **non-exclusive** remembrance of **all Dutch victims of war**, both civilian and military, since 1940—an important framing for international visitors as well. (https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/national-4-and-5-may-committee/remembrance-day?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## A short history of remembrance in Almere

Almere is a new city by Dutch standards, but its **4 May tradition is not an afterthought**. The first local commemoration dates to **1977**, with a **herdenkingssteen (memorial stone)** unveiled in **1978** on the **Markt in Almere Haven**—a year before the first residents moved into the expanding polder town. That early emphasis on remembrance set the tone for the city’s later memorials and ceremonies. (https://www.flevolanderfgoed.nl/home/herinneringsmonumenten/zuidelijk-flevoland-5/monumenten-almere/herdenkingssteen.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Over time, Almere’s commemorations broadened to include multiple sites and histories, including the **Indië-monument** unveiled in **2023** (named **Omarmen**, with a QR code for context on the war in the former Netherlands-Indies). Taken together with the **Bos der Onverzettelijken** and **‘De Dolfijn’**, these installations show how Almere connects a new city’s identity to national memory. [ Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945](https://15augustus1945.nl/herdenkingen-en-monumenten/indiemonument-almere/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Planning tips (that most guides miss)

– **Pair sites in one loop.** If you’re in Almere for the day, visit **Weg 1940–1945** (Bos der Onverzettelijken) for the contemplative experience, then head to **Almere Haven** to see **‘De Dolfijn’** and the square that hosts the evening ceremony. It helps you understand how the city remembers—both **quietly** and **collectively**. [ Der Onverzettelijken](https://bosderonverzettelijken.nl/monument/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Context first, then the art.** Read the on-site or official summaries of **Remembrance Day’s scope**—who is being commemorated and why—before viewing **“Rise”**. The piece’s power lands differently once you know that the **engine is from BK716** and the seven names are specific people with a documented final mission in **March 1943**. (https://www.royal-house.nl/topics/national-4-and-5-may-committee/remembrance-day?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Mind the calendar’s second date.** The Netherlands also observes **15 August** (end of the Pacific war for the former Dutch East Indies). In Almere, this context appears in site materials and newer monuments; if conflict histories beyond Europe matter to your research, plan a return visit around mid-August. [ Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945](https://15augustus1945.nl/herdenkingen-en-monumenten/indiemonument-almere/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Key facts (for quick reference)

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4 mei monument (Almere): how to visit, what you’ll see, and why it matters

Almere commemorates the Netherlands’ Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) at several sites, including the memorial zone around Weg 1940–1945 in the Bos der Onverzettelijken (“Forest of the Unyielding”). If you’re planning a respectful visit—or you’ll be in town on 4 May at 20:00, when the nation pauses for two minutes of silence—this guide covers the essentials with practical detail and verified context.

Location (map-ready): 52.3828543, 5.2413647 — Weg 1940–1945, Almere. The memorial field sits within the Bos der Onverzettelijken; the site lists Weg 1940–1945 nr. 8, 1318 EL as the address for the main monument zone. oai_citation:0‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken

What the “4 mei monument” refers to in Almere

Unlike cities with a single central memorial, Almere’s commemorative landscape is distributed:

• Bos der Onverzettelijken memorial field (Weg 1940–1945). This is the setting most visitors mean by “the 4 May monument” in Almere. It anchors local remembrance activity and houses newer memorial art related to WWII (details below). oai_citation:1‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken
• ‘De Dolfijn’ (Almere Haven). The annual 4 May procession and ceremony in Almere Haven culminate at the ‘De Dolfijn’ monument on the Markt. Local notices regularly direct attendees to gather at De Goede Rede church before the silent march to the square. If your plan is to attend the ceremony itself, this is where the formal program occurs. oai_citation:2‡almeredezeweek.nl

Both sites belong to the same commemorative fabric; the national two-minute silence at 20:00 is observed across the country, including Almere. oai_citation:3‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei

What you’ll see at Weg 1940–1945 (Bos der Onverzettelijken)

The memorial field & context

The Bos der Onverzettelijken is a purpose-planted forest and remembrance landscape in South Flevoland. It includes a memorial field used on remembrance occasions and as a quiet, year-round place for reflection. The foundation behind the site confirms the Weg 1940–1945 address and provides historical background for Remembrance Day and the later 15 August commemoration of the war’s end in the former Dutch East Indies. oai_citation:4‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken

“Rise” — the Short Stirling aircrew memorial

One of the most striking pieces here is “Rise”, a bronze of a RAF pilot seated on an actual Bristol Hercules engine block recovered from the Short Stirling BK716 bomber that crashed in the IJsselmeer (now Markermeer) after a mission in March 1943. The sculpture and engine form the core of the memorial, unveiled in 2021 to honor the seven airmen (five British, two Canadian) who died in the crash. oai_citation:5‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei

If you’ve read about the 2020 recovery of the Short Stirling wreck and subsequent memorial placement in Almere: those accounts refer to this same story and the artwork’s installation on the memorial field within the Bos der Onverzettelijken. oai_citation:6‡Visit Almere

Why it matters: “Rise” is not a generic statue; it includes a real wartime engine recovered from the lakebed, making the connection to the crew immediate and tangible. For many visitors, that specificity is what lingers.

Attending Remembrance Day (4 May) in Almere

• Time & national observance. Throughout the Netherlands, two minutes of silence begin at 20:00 on 4 May. Trains stop, shops pause, and ceremonies are synchronized. Plan to be in place by ~19:50. oai_citation:7‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
• Local program (Almere Haven). The city’s formal program typically assembles at De Goede Rede (Kerkgracht) and proceeds in a silent march to ‘De Dolfijn’ on the Markt, where the official ceremony is held. Recent schedules published locally reflect this pattern; check close to the date for any updates. oai_citation:8‡almeredezeweek.nl
• Alternative/quiet remembrance. If you prefer a reflective visit outside the ceremony times, the Bos der Onverzettelijken at Weg 1940–1945 offers a contemplative setting. On 4 May itself, flags here have been flown at half-mast and flowers laid during years when the public ceremony moved online; in ordinary years it remains a dignified place to pay respects. oai_citation:9‡Almere City Marketing

Note on variability: Local programming (assembly locations, musical components, student readings) can vary year-to-year. Always check the Comité 4 en 5 mei Almere channels in the week leading up to 4 May for exact timings. oai_citation:10‡4en5meialmere.nl

Practical visiting info

Getting there

• By bike or on foot: From central Almere Stad, the memorial field at Weg 1940–1945 is reachable via city bike paths. Allow time; the forest is expansive and signage is intentionally low-key to preserve the setting. (Bring a map app and use the coordinates above.)
• Public transport: Use Almere Stad or Almere Muziekwijk stations and continue by bus or bike; route options change periodically—verify your bus line the day of travel in the Dutch transit planner (9292) or NS app.
• Parking: Limited street parking exists near the forest entrances; on ceremony evenings, arrive early and expect crowd management. (Exact allocations aren’t fixed—follow on-site directions.)

Accessibility & etiquette

• Paths: Surfaces are mostly level forest paths and open field; mobility can depend on recent weather.
• Quiet behavior: Keep voices low, especially at or near 20:00 on 4 May.
• Photography: Discreet photos are usually fine; during ceremonies follow marshals’ guidance and avoid obstructing wreath layers, veterans, next-of-kin, or readers.
• Inclusivity: Ceremonies in Almere intentionally involve youth (poetry/readings) and community representatives; it is a civic, non-exclusive remembrance of all Dutch victims of war, both civilian and military, since 1940—an important framing for international visitors as well. oai_citation:11‡royal-house.nl

A short history of remembrance in Almere

Almere is a new city by Dutch standards, but its 4 May tradition is not an afterthought. The first local commemoration dates to 1977, with a herdenkingssteen (memorial stone) unveiled in 1978 on the Markt in Almere Haven—a year before the first residents moved into the expanding polder town. That early emphasis on remembrance set the tone for the city’s later memorials and ceremonies. oai_citation:12‡flevolanderfgoed.nl

Over time, Almere’s commemorations broadened to include multiple sites and histories, including the Indië-monument unveiled in 2023 (named Omarmen, with a QR code for context on the war in the former Netherlands-Indies). Taken together with the Bos der Onverzettelijken and ‘De Dolfijn’, these installations show how Almere connects a new city’s identity to national memory. oai_citation:13‡Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945

Planning tips (that most guides miss)

• Pair sites in one loop. If you’re in Almere for the day, visit Weg 1940–1945 (Bos der Onverzettelijken) for the contemplative experience, then head to Almere Haven to see ‘De Dolfijn’ and the square that hosts the evening ceremony. It helps you understand how the city remembers—both quietly and collectively. oai_citation:14‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken
• Context first, then the art. Read the on-site or official summaries of Remembrance Day’s scope—who is being commemorated and why—before viewing “Rise”. The piece’s power lands differently once you know that the engine is from BK716 and the seven names are specific people with a documented final mission in March 1943. oai_citation:15‡royal-house.nl
• Mind the calendar’s second date. The Netherlands also observes 15 August (end of the Pacific war for the former Dutch East Indies). In Almere, this context appears in site materials and newer monuments; if conflict histories beyond Europe matter to your research, plan a return visit around mid-August. oai_citation:16‡Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945

Key facts (for quick reference)

• Where: Weg 1940–1945 (Bos der Onverzettelijken), Almere — primary remembrance landscape; additional 4 May ceremony at ‘De Dolfijn’ on the Markt in Almere Haven. oai_citation:17‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken
• When: National two minutes of silence at 20:00 on 4 May; Almere’s program typically starts with a silent march shortly before. Check the local committee schedule each year. oai_citation:18‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
• What to look for: “Rise” (Short Stirling BK716 memorial using a recovered Bristol Hercules engine), memorial field, quiet forest paths. oai_citation:19‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
• Coordinates: 52.3828543, 5.2413647 for the Weg 1940–1945 memorial zone. oai_citation:20‡Bos Der Onverzettelijken

Accuracy notes & potential changes

• Program details (exact assembly points, musical program, speakers, accessibility arrangements) are set annually by Comité 4 en 5 mei Almere and published in the weeks before 4 May. Treat any older schedules you find via search as potentially outdated. Verify against current-year notices. oai_citation:21‡4en5meialmere.nl
• The physical memorials described above are established, but small changes to path routing, signage, or temporary installations can occur with forest management or ongoing commemorative projects.

Final thought: If you visit only one place, make it the memorial field at Weg 1940–1945. The setting allows for quiet reflection, and the “Rise” memorial grounds the story in real wartime material. If you can, return in the evening on 4 May for the shared silence—Almere’s remembrance, like the Netherlands’, is both national in cadence and local in texture. oai_citation:22‡Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei