Today is a National Day of Mourning / dag van nationale rouw in the Netherlands, to honour of the victims of flight MH17.
On 17 July, 2014 Malaysian Airlnes flight MH17 was shot down killing all 298 passengers on board.
It is a tragedy that will remain in national memory as one of the Netherlands’ darkest days. A disaster that has struck the Dutch more than any people.
A few friends from home have asked us how we’re doing. As individuals, we’re shocked and appalled. As a nation, never prone to public displays of emotion, many Dutch people have made it a point of honour not to let the catastrophe overwhelm them.
What will happen :
- All government buildings will fly their flags at half mast.
- Church bells will sound throughout the day, and for 5 minutes before the planes carrying the first victims land in Eindhoven. This is expected to be around 4pm.
- The planes will be met by King Willem, Queen Maxima, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and representatives from other countries.
- After the planes land, a trumpet will sound and the nation will observe a one minute silence.
- Buses have confirmed that their buses will be stationary at bus stops during the one minute silence.
- Schiphol airport has confirmed that the minute silence will be announced in the terminals, during which time all entertainment screens will go dark and no planes will take off.
At 8pm tonight the gemeente Amsterdam has authorised a silent march of remembrance. It will begin from Dam square via the Rokin, de Munt, Vijzelstraat, Vijzelgracht, Weteringschans, Leidseplein, Marnixstraat, Rozengracht and Raadhuisstraat to finish at the Dam again where they will release white balloons followed by a minutes silence.
ClarkterstraatNL 
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