Today May 8th we celebrate the end of the second world war in Europe. It will be 75 years ago that this event took place. I honor all the men and woman of a special generation, who served in any capacity to make this happen. This is recognized as V.E. day or victory in Europe day. There will be recognized celebrations on this day amoungst the Allied nations who defeated the Nazi oppression in European nations; however, I would like to make special mention of the Canadian military in this conflict.
After landing at and the taking of Juno Beach. After heading inland, though the hedge-roads, villages and towns of France, our brave soldiers made their way northward to help liberate Paris and then to open major docking facilities along the western European coastlines. By September 1944 and thru to April of 1945, the Canadian forces were given the responsibility to clear the Netherlands of Nazi occupation.
The first Canadian Army was ordered to attack the determined forces of Germany. They fought through the scheldt estuary, to open the port of Antwerp so supplies could be made available, for the allies in the north-west Europe. Following this hard fought campaign, the forces would then turn from the coast and fight their way from the west, to the north and across to the east through the Netherlands. With the success of this military objective, Canadian personnel would follow, bringing much needed relief to the Netherlands. Food, clothing, cooking and heating fuels, along with medical supplies and medical personnel were distributed either by convoys or air drops.
For all this I make particular note of how the Dutch remember and honor Canadians and Canada. A special relationship that exists, due to the heroism and determination of the Canadian Armed Forces and also for the protection and accommodations of the Dutch royal family, sequestered within Ottawa.
In the Netherlands there is no V.E. celebrations. Each year they have two special days. With the help of a neighbor, a Dutch/Canadian Marja Groenevelt-Verwey, some of these experiences were shared with me and I will provide a brief overview of the two days.
May 4th, Remembrance of the Dead, for the Dutch it’s Dodenherdenking. This day is held in commemoration for all the civilians and members of the of the force of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in wars or peace-keeping missions since the beginning of the second world war. The main ceremonies are usually observed in Amsterdam at the National Monument by members of the cabinet, the Dutch royal family, military leaders, representatives of the resistance movement and other social groups. At 20:00 hours two minutes of silence is observed through the Netherlands. Public transportation is halted, as well as all other traffic. Broadcasts of the memorial are made public by all electronic means. Flags are hung at half staff from 18:00, then hoisted to the music of Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem. In many towns near the two minutes of silence, people gather to monuments, where speeches are given and flowers are laid.
May 5th Liberation day, or as the Dutch recognize it Bevrijdingsdag, the end of the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. The Dutch have never forgotten our brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen, the 7600 who gave the ultimate sacrifice, or the causalities to free the country. Initially celebrated every five years, as of 1990 the day was declared a national holiday. The celebration takes place for the old to the very young, there are 14 musical festivals held throughout the country. As of particular note for school students, are assignments. Near the cemeteries of the Commonwealth War Graves. Near the immaculately kept headstones, crosses and makers, each assigned student tries to place a picture of the fallen. Upgraded by the student when possible. Again in a very neat and orderly manner. Assignments of soldiers are often given to remember those who would return home, they may even adorn each individual plot or monument. Letters are drafted to be sent to the veteran or their families. Today’ new forms of communication allow face to face meetings, sadly some lament the loss of a special friend.
For Canada as a nation, tulips are sent for the accommodating and sequestering of the Dutch royal family in Ottawa, during the war years. In 1945 following liberation, 100,000 tulips where sent, the following year 20,000 and there after to the present time 10,000 tulips are sent. A special tulip was also cultivated to look like the Canadian flag. These tulips make up a large part of the Canadian tulip festival, held annually in May.
In one more honorarium and closing story, personally Leena Van Dam, a Dutch widow, approached the Commonwealth Graves Commission wanting to put a candle on a particular headstone. She was told “if you do one, you do them all, at your own cost”. In 1991 she did it and since, on Christmas Eve, its become a tradition. Again being done by middle school students, by assignment.
For myself, I wonder if we do as much in remembrance of this important event in time. I guess a remembrance day in November gives us a chance for a national and individual reflection of these times. A V.E. day, I suppose not living in Europe or being alive at that time, limits my enthusiasm. Perhaps 75 years having passed dims the magnitude of the effort, but I can look to the example of the Dutch and mark my calendar yearly. For what was earned for me!
Lest we forget
Authored by: B. Archer
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