Fact Sheet ‘Public Appreciation' in the Netherlands

Abstract: More than twenty years ago the realisation dawned that the government had failed in showing its appreciation for veterans. The sometimes critical reporting on veterans in the media and also the psychological symptoms related to deployment experienced by veterans reinforced the need for recognition. The legitimacy of that need was recognised with the publication of the ‘Coherent Care for Veterans’ policy document in 1990. Since then, promoting and increasing public appreciation has been a principal objective of the Netherlands veterans’ policy.