Government of Canada honours Veterans during wreath-laying ceremony with King and Queen of the Netherlands

OTTAWA, May 27, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It is an honoured tradition that visiting dignitaries from Canada's allies lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the National War Memorial.

At the ceremony, the Royal Netherlands Air Force Band performed the Canadian National Anthem while the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces performed the National Anthem of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Quick Facts

• In the final months of the Second World War, Canada played a key role in liberating the people of the Netherlands. This effort is often regarded as one of the greatest military achievements in our nation's history.
• More than 7,600 Canadians died in the Liberation of the Netherlands.
• Every year the Netherlands provides a gift of tulip bulbs to Canada's capital in appreciation to our nation's effort to free them during the Second World War.

Quotes

"Canada and the Netherlands are forever joined in solidarity and remembrance. In Canada, we are reminded of that relationship each spring when their gift of tulips brightens our capital city and in the Netherlands, Canadians are reminded of that relationship by the warmth demonstrated by the Dutch people. Together, as nations, we also share a love of freedom."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

The Embassy and Consulates- Kingdom of the Netherlands Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Martin Magnan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468