It is slightly over 75 years ago that Canadian forces liberated The Netherlands. Every fifth year anniversary, large displays of gratitude were shown to the thousands of Canadian veterans who participated the liberation of Holland.
The town of Apeldoorn in the central part of the Netherlands has traditionally been on the forefront of the events of honouring the veterans and celebrating with them, but this year’s 75th anniversary was kept low key because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing age of the veterans.
But Apeldoorn has not forgotten its liberators!
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They have placed 26 tiles along a route of significant locations in Apeldoorn that each have a QR code embedded that gives access to an approximately two minute story by a veteran about his part in the event. Also, two websites have been created: Canadianwalk.nl and Liberationroute.com.
And so the gratitude of Apeldoorn continues to blossom even after 75 years after the event.
These men and women are also the reason why I, born and raised in The Netherlands after the war, could choose to learn the German language instead of it being my native language.
Therefore along with Apeldoorn, I too say thank you veterans.
Gert Vande Bunte
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