In recognition of the United States' support during and after World War II, the Netherlands gifted a carillon (bell tower) to the United States in the 1950s. Today, the Netherlands Carillon, stands in Arlington, Virginia, as a proud symbol of freedom, embodying the enduring bond between the Netherlands and the United States.

Join us for the annual Freedom Concert, organized by the George Washington Memorial Parkway of the National Park Service and the Netherlands Embassy. This gathering offers a moment filled with music and the spoken word, allowing us to to both celebrate and contemplate the multifaceted essence of freedom.

Freedom Concert at the Netherlands Carillon on May 5, 2024

In recognition of the United States' support during and after World War II, the people of the Netherlands gave the carillon (bell tower) to the people of the United States in the 1950s. Today, the Netherlands Carillon stands in Arlington, Virginia, as a proud symbol of freedom, embodying the enduring bond between the Netherlands and the United States.

The musical monument serves as the centerpiece for the annual Freedom Concert, organized by the George Washington Memorial Parkway of the National Park Service and the Netherlands Embassy. This gathering offers a moment filled with music and the spoken word, allowing us to both celebrate and contemplate the multifaceted essence of freedom.

This year's concert aligns with the Netherlands' "Slavery Memorial Year." Together, we'll reflect on the history of slavery and celebrate its abolition. Listen to inspiring speeches, and be captivated by mesmerizing musical performances. Stay tuned for details!

Venue: Netherlands Carillon, Arlington Ridge Park, Va.
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Early registrationhere

Speakers

• Featured Speaker - Mary Elliott: Curator of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Charles Cuvelier: Superintendent of the National Park Service (NPS-GWMP)
• Birgitta Tazelaar: Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States

Performers

• Julianne Vanden Wyngaard: Performing on the Netherlands Carillon
• Michael McKeon: Singing the US and Dutch National Anthems
• Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir

The concert will be held outdoors, and you are welcome to sit, stand, or lay back and relax. We encourage you to bring a blanket or lawn chair so that you can sit close to the bell tower and enjoy the event.

A limited number of chairs will be provided for this event. If you require seating accommodation, please reach out to us in advance by emailing was-ppc@minbuza.nl.