Canada's Lt.-Gen. Charles Foulkes (left centre) accepts the surrender of German forces in the Netherlands, May 5, 1945.
Photo Credit: Ernest J. Deguire, Library and Archives Canada PA134408

May 5-Holland remembers: Canada and their liberation

Today, May 5th, marks the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.

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Canadian veteran today from the CBC live feed at the liberation of Holland ceremonies about a restored WWII vehicle from Keep them Rolling © CBC
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BGen E. Beno (ret’d) led a small group of Canadian Forces personnel on a tour of Holland following the route of the Canadian Army in 1945 leading up to the surrender of German Forces there on May 5. © artillery.net

At this point in 1945, Canadians, vastly outnumbered, had already fought a heroically desperate defensive battle against the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong, Canadian naval and merchant marine sailors had been fighting the Battle of the Atlantic for years, airmen had been flying on deadly fighter and bomber missions, had already fought their way in bitter battles across Sicily and up through Italy, and were pushing the enemy back through Germany.

But for the Dutch, it was the Canadians who liberated them and they have never forgotten.

BGen (ret) Ernest Beno, recently led a small group of serving Canadian soldiers to participate in ‘The Final Push” , a series of events leading up to this major commemoration in the Netherlands. Gen. Beno is the Honourary Colonel of the 7th Toronto Regiment, and member of the Board of Directors for the Juno Beach Centre.

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Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, is in the Netherlands to commemorate Canada’s efforts in the Liberation. At a ceremony at Holten cemetery this week he said, “The heroes who liberated the Netherlands, like the men and women who serve our country today, understood that when there arises a great evil, a threat to all the things that define our existence as a free and just people, such enemies must be confronted”.

Archives- newsreel Canadians Liberate Holland

The preliminary event to today’s Liberation of Holland ceremonies was called “The Final Push” which involved a large number of Dutch volunteers who have restored Allied military vehicles to keep the memories alive.

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Tens of thousands of Dutch citizens come out to thank Canada and Canadian Veterans for their liberation 70 years ago today A Canadian-designed Universal Carrier with veterans abour and towing a 6pdr AT gun stops before the reviewing stand. Behind it is a Ford Canad Lynx scout car. © CBC live

The group “Keep them Rolling”, along with the group of Toronto Gunners, and veterans and dignitaries, travelled the route of the Canadian Army following their path from town to town through Holland as they pushed the German forces towards unconditional surrender on May 5th

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Canadian and Dutch flags fly beside a Canadian 25pdr field artillery gun, behind the Canadian military group participating in the 70th anniversary of Canada’s Liberation of Holland. Left to Right:: Sergeant Amber Kase, Corporal Daniil Saiko (QOR of C), Master Bombardier Phil Gawley, Major Ryan Smid, Sergeant Alex SpanosHon Col Beno, Sergeant Darrin Hicks, Lieutenant Jeremy Lum, Warrant Officer Rob Morningstar, Master Bombardier Matt Jackson, Master Bombardier Kevin Noh. Gen Beno says even though they are aware of Canadian military role in WWII, the outpouring of appreciation for Canadians was an eyeopener

Gen. Beno (ret.) says he and his group of serving soldiers who travelled with this group says the deep and abiding thanks of Holland to the Canadians is amazing.

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Marching bands, and tens of thousands of Dutch citizens lining the streets to thank Canadian veterans and other allies for their Liberation today © CBC

This year, however is extremely special as it is the 70th anniversary, and many of the veterans who have travelled to Holland are now in their very late 80’s and early to mid 90’s, and are unlikely to be able to make any future return visits to Europe.

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Canadian Second World War veterans pay tribute to Canada’s war dead at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery near Arnhem, Netherlands, on Monday. These men are now all in their very late 80’s to mid 90’s in age. © Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Gen. Beno says it is events like this that make him so proud to be Canadian, and to have the heritage of the accomplishments of Canadians of that generation who volunteered to travel far from home to fight against tyranny, knowing that many would not return.

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