The post‐war generation remembers: A mixed‐method study exploring children’s attitudes towards World War II commemoration

This study investigated how children, a post-war generation without direct connection to war, relate the commemoration of World War II (WWII). Seven group interviews were held among pupils in Netherlands, aged 9 18 (n = 55) and, subsequently, questionnaires administered other 374). Results revealed that children are affected by collective narrative WWII, and connect on social emotional level. Comprehension, tangibility, inclusiveness right atmosphere key elements appreciate commemoration. Insights from this may help societies practice more appealing remembrances with generations.