Dutch King apologizes for slavery

July 1st, 1873 is the day that slavery as a practice ended in all parts of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Today this was commemorated for the first time by the King. In his speech the King offered apologies for the Dutch role in the transatlantic slave trade and the facilitation of slavery inside parts of the kingdom. He made clear that the apologies were also on behalf of his ancestors and predecessors.

I personally don't like the idea of apologies for the acts of others. But I must say I also was touched by the gesture and the reaction to it.