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Anthem of the Netherlands
The national anthem
"Wilhelmus"of the Netherlands
is a song originating from the
Freedom War
against Spain which lasted
from 1568 to 1648.
The text was written in the
first years of the war
by exiles in Emden, Germany
and later
redone by Philip van Marnix of
Saint Aldegonde.
The melody dates from 1569 and
was later
part of "Valerius Gedenck
Klanck"
a famous album of resistance
songs from the Freedom War.
The Valerius Songs are heard
ever and ever again
on many occasions in daily
life.
The Wilhelmus anthem is
officially instituted
since May 10, 1932.
The Royal Dutch Navy (Marine)
and the Police
did not recognize the anthem
until 1939.
From 1813 until 1932 the
official anthem was
"Wiens Neerlands
Bloed" by the poet Tollens.
The Dutch population however
has sung the Wilhelmus
on many brave occasions both
in defeat and victory.
The first time known was in
1573 and since then
more and more during the
centuries,
pushing away the
"official" anthem
until the final recognition
came in 1932.
Although there are 15 verses
in the anthem,
only the first and sixth verse
are sung
on occasions.
The
translation of the First and Sixth verse is:
1 William of Nassau, seed
Of a Dutch and ancient line,
True to the fatherland
Will I be into Death.
A prince of Orange I am,
fearless, ever free.
To the king of Spain
I've granted unwavering loyalty.
6 My shield and my reliance,
Are you O God, my Lord.
I'll trust unto Your guidance.
Leave me never and never.
That I may stay a pious
Servant of You for ever
And drive the tyranny away
that injured my heart.
A very special place,
where the Anthem is cited is
at the Dutch War cemetery
upon the Grebbeberg at Rhenen.
At this place 850 soldiers
stayed behind in May 1940,
stopping the invading German
troops during five costly days.
Den vaderlant ghetrouwe
On the side of the entrance of
the War Cemetery.
Blijf ick tot inden doot.
On the side of the graves.
"True to the fatherland
Will I be into Death."
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Updated June 19, 2008
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