Verzetsherdenkingskruis (VHK)

The Resistance Memorial Cross was instituted on December 19th, 1980 by Royal Decree No. 104 at the commemoration of 35 years of liberation. The decoration was meant for those who participated in the resistance against the occupation of the Netherlands. Those who wanted to receive the decoration needed to apply for it themselves and show enough proof of their deads of resistance. A total of 15.300 crosses were awarded.

The silver cross was produced by the Rijksmunt and follows in wear after the War Commemorative Cross but stands before the Honorable Medal for War and Peace. The resistance is being shown on the medal with the text "de tyrrany verdryven" (forcing the tyrranny to go), taken from the Dutch National anthem the Wilhelmus. In a vertical beam is shown the sword of physical resistance and the flame of mental resistance. The colors of the ribbon symbolize the unity of the Netherlands and the Royal House of Orange, placed in a black background of grief.