Generations join Veterans in celebrating historic bond between two nations
OTTAWA, May 1, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will join a Veteran delegation departing today for the Netherlands to participate in events marking the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, from May 3 to 9, 2015.
Events include:
- May 3, 2015 – Ceremony of Remembrance, Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
- May 4, 2015 – Commemorative Ceremony, Holten Canadian War Cemetery
- May 5, 2015 – National Commemoration Capitulations 1945 and Liberation Parade, Wageningen
- May 9, 2015 – National Street Parade and Liberation Festival, Apeldoorn
The Liberation of the Netherlands, from the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, was one of Canada's most recognized efforts during the Second World War, helping lead to Victory in Europe (V-E) Day.
Quick Facts
- During the Second World War, tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen played a key role in the Liberation of the Netherlands, including up to 175,000 Canadian soldiers of the First Canadian Army.
- The cost of this victory was high, as more than 7,600 Canadians died in the effort.
- Canada and the Netherlands share a special bond that dates back to early in the Second World War when Canada provided refuge for members of the Dutch Royal Family.
- Princess Margriet was born in Ottawa Civic Hospital in 1943 in a room that was temporarily decreed to be non-Canadian territory so she would have only Dutch citizenship and still be eligible to potentially ascend to the throne.
- In 2014, Canada marked the centennial of the beginning of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War. From 2014 to 2020, Canada will mark the events, battles and social conditions that shaped these wars.
- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ceremonial contingent of approximately 150 members represents the various services, branches and units with a historical lineage to the Liberation of the Netherlands. The CAF contingent includes a band, guard of honour, flag and vigil parties.
Quotes
"Seventy years ago, brave Canadians fought to help liberate the Netherlands and bring an end to the Second World War. In the process, they forged a special bond with the Dutch people, that remains the cornerstone of the strong friendship between our countries. This week, we honour the remarkable service and sacrifices of our Veterans and celebrate the freedom this sacrifice secured. Lest we forget."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"Seventy years ago, Canadian soldiers made history by fighting canal by canal, house by house to free the Netherlands from Nazi domination and restore that nation's sovereignty. Now on this milestone anniversary, our Canadian Armed Forces are proud to join the Dutch people and Veterans of this campaign in remembrance of 7,600 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence
Associated Links
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Contacts, Martin Magnan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468
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