The Dutch flag
Most countries in the world gained independence after long and violent wars. My country became independent after a war which lasted 80 years from 1568 till 1648, under the leadership of the Prince of Orange. We were at that time more or less one country with Belgium, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Now we do a lot together and share TV programs among other things.
The Belgian flag
Indonesia, which was a Dutch colony, gained independence in 1949, after a bloody war, which has left its scars in both Indonesia and the Netherlands. We learnt from these wars and gave Suriname its independence in 1975 without any struggle.
What is your national holiday and do you have an Independence Day?
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25 comments:
Such a shame that independence is often more out of struggle.
Interesting post.
We have a National day on July 21, otherwise since 1830 independant and 1831 a Kingdom. Politicians like to point out a language war, the people not at all, except some fanatics (as in all countries)
I agree...why is it so difficult to achieve - both as nations and individuals... Great post.
Interesting post for the letter I.
While at Disneyland this past week we talked with a waiter at the restaurant where we were eating. In conversation he said he was Indonesian and grew up in the Netherlands. He proceeded to give us a history lesson I had not been aware of. Delightful gentleman and interesting information.
July 4th is the US holiday for independence.
Canada doesn't have an independence day. We didn't have to fight for independence, I think we just grew up, and Britain said, "Okay, it's time" in 1867.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
PS — Wil — sorry —
Canada's "birthday" is July 1, and we just call it "Canada Day".
K
Lessee, I think ours is July 4, and I'm pretty sure fighting was involved, back in the 1770s.
Great post, and funny I learned something about my on country!
Marion
Such a beautiful photo!
Canada Day, July 1st.
Kay's comment did make me laugh!!
Jane x
Independence is a great thing to have but very hard to achieve sometimes.
Inspector Hector is my letter I. Hope you can drop by!
It's more often a struggle than not. I enjoyed your post!
It's a wise country that learns from its past.
Canada Day is July 1 and the whole country celebrates, but each province has its own special day as well. BC Day is the first Monday in August and is a stat holiday here.
Leslie
abcw team
I echo Kay's comment, - independence came easily to us, although my Loyalist ancestors had to fight hard for theirs when they came to Canada in 1775.
Hi Wil. Interesting post today.
If you look back at the comments on the shillelagh you will find that TFE, who is himself Irish, has left a comment and explanation about shillelaghs.
Right now, we have lots of flag fluttering with the rugby world cup.
I love the photo of the flag.
Wales celebrates its day on 1st March.
A fascinating post, Wil - with an important message about nationhood.
Wow this is very interesting. Almost all country has its own independence day. My native country Philippines celebrate it's independence day on June 12 from Spain concluded by Philippine Revolution BUT was not recognized by USA and SPAIN. Is it not very intriguing? Now I am here in the US and we celebrate July 4th. ^_^
I am In
Our Independence day is celebrated on 15th August and was won in 1947 from the British Empire!! India became a Republic in Jan of 1950 and has remained a secular democratic country, the largest Democracy with the second largest population in the world!! Indian History is vast and dates centuries back. I remember history texts from school which lists Greeks, Turks, Afghans Arabs, Mughuls, Dutch,French, Portuguese and lastly English from whom we gained Independence and split into India and Pakistan!! Mahatma Gandhi remained in India and Mohammed Ali Jinnah was for Pakistan!! Just some history of the region from memory!! :)
It is a shame that independence is often achieved via lengthy and violent wars. Great post!
Thank you and I am overwhelmed by your reply to my comment Reader Wil !! Richard Attenborough's Gandhi was a masterpiece, and Ben Kingsley as Gandhi has done full justice to a legendary figure!!
Fascinating information and history lesson. While it is sad independence is such a struggle, I suppose that's why those countries that have it cherish it so much.
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