Today is kind of a weird day. Normally, people will be out celebrating the King’s birthday. People will be out trying to sell their old stuff, entertain, perform, and drink. The kids in elementary schools will celebrate with a sport’s day since the king highly values physical education opportunities for all kids. But now, those won’t happen either.
We’re stuck inside.
It doesn’t change much for me since I stay inside anyway, but it’s still weird. News about what happens always seeps into my field of vision through Facebook, Youtube, or Twitter. But now we won’t see the happy faces of little girls as they shake hands with the queen, or see how the princesses grow up. They tour around a town to connect more with the locals and check out great initiatives to support the community. It’s truly a celebration of the Dutch culture.
But not this year, as we’re stuck inside.
Oh, I know people will gather and drink with friends. They always will, and do. I see and hear people in my street drinking with their buddies outside now that it’s getting warmer. It was the same with Easter. The people who want to see each other will ignore the shelter in place.
People are going to risk getting sick and spreading the virus to celebrate. But instead of celebrating something that’s worth it (like the heroes fighting this disease on the front line), they’re going to cheer for the king, for the nation. But mostly, they’ll celebrate themselves.
I want people to stay home, to protect themselves and others. To support the nurses and doctors. And to not possibly infect the air for delivery workers. By staying home, you celebrate your nation by giving it a better chance to overcome this. I hope people will remember this coming independence day, May 5th. But I doubt they will.
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