A nation in shock and mourning.<br/> <br />Flags across the Netherlands flew at half mast in memory of the 298 people who died when flight MH17 crashed in rebel controlled eastern Ukraine.<br/> <br />In Amsterdam, thousands of people gathered outside the royal palace in Dam Square, commemorating the innocent victims caught up in a distant war.<br/> <br />U.S. officials believe the Malaysia Airlines jet was mistakenly shot down by separatists with a Russian-supplied missile.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMSTERDAM RESIDENT, GABRIELLA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"The most important thing, because there are so many people walking here, I hope it gets on world news and the message gets clear that this is something that can never happen again. That's why."<br/> <br />Local residents marched solemnly through the capital united in grief.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMSTERDAM RESIDENT, FRET, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Just to show respect for the ones who lost so many family, wives, children. Just respect."<br/> <br />As night fell, they releas
