Why The Dutch Love Canadians | Canadian Veterans Celebrated in The Netherlands (BRITISH REACTION)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- Why The Dutch Love Canadians | Canadian Veterans Celebrated in The Netherlands (BRITISH REACTION)
This is my reaction to Why The Dutch Love Canadians | Canadian Veterans Celebrated in The Netherlands
Original Video - • VE Day | Canadian Vete...
Subtitles are available in French (and English)
There's another WW2 connection not touched upon in this video. In 1940, the Dutch royal family went into exile in Canada. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands was actually born in Ottawa. Every year, the Dutch royal family and the people of the Netherlands send 10,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude. It's why Ottawa is full of tulips each spring/summer.
One add on to that fact: the Canadian government wanted to help ensure she was born Dutch, so they passed a law that the ward she was born in was temporary sovereign Dutch territory
A coward family. Fleeing the country during war means they lost their rights to be a royal family. It's a law. Then again we have a fake momarchy anyway. It's all criminals and nazis
@@AL-fl4jk Actually that's a myth. There was an issue of citizenship, because anybody born on Canadian soil is automatically a Canadian citizen. In the Netherlands a child of Dutch citizens is a Dutch citizen regardless of where they are born. But dual citizenship wasn't acceptable for the royal line. A royal had to be solely Dutch. The hospital didn't become Dutch territory, instead Canada denationalized the section of the hospital the princess was in. Essentially giving up claim to the land temporarily making it international territory belonging to no country. Making the birth the equivelant of being born at sea in international waters and thus soley a Dutch citizen.
@@philiphoy1373 So it's not a myth, just slightly different.
@@philiphoy1373 yeah, yes that with all the extra words unneeded on TH-cam
My mum was 13 when the war started in The Netherlands and she was 18 when the country was liberated. She reached the age of 96. The older she became the more she spoke about that dark period in her life. During one conversation she came up with an unforgettable quote which summed it all up: 'the nazi's stole my youth, the Canadians gave me my future.'
@@TheCriticalPolitician BEAUTIFUL 😍
My father fought in the war and helped liberate the Dutch,, he tells a story about meeting a young Dutch boy who was very afraid. He gave the lad his prayer book which was given to him by his church before he left. He signed the prayer book and was sure he'd never see it again. Fast forward about 16 years my father was a work and my oldest sister answered the door and an adult at the door with an accent asked her to see her father. He wouldn't say much but was determined to see my Dad so he was given the directions to his job site. As it turned out it was the young lad who he had given his prayer book to and to thank him. He crossed the pond just to return his prayer book. Our family will never forget this.
Beautiful story, best regards from the Netherlands. We will never forget.
@daftlife6569 Thank you. My father always spoke so highly of the Dutch. He and my mom were invited over there in the 70s and was told that he would stay at someone's home. Unfortunately, he had seven children and didn't want to leave them. My mom always regretted that. Lol
what a wonderful story, that's amazing!
Forever thankful for freeing this country which is a safe haven for new generations from all over the world. He liberated more than the Dutch back then. ❤
I have met lots of veterans from US and Canada, the thing I never forget is there is this eerie haunted look to them, I have thanked them for what they did, not only did they fight, but they sacrificed their innocent so others may live free.
You ask how I feel as a Canadian watching this? I cried through most of it. ♥
Every I watch these videos and listen to the Hwy of heros I am a wreck when they are over makes me so proud to be a CANADIAN
We are still thankful toward Canadian brothers and sisters. ❤️
🇺🇸🇨🇦
I’m Dutch-English Canadian and I get choked up every time I see this.
@@bonniefournier2430 You have the right to be proud a 100%. Without our liberators, who saved my mom and dad, 4 and 5 years old at the beginning of this war, I would not be able to thank 'our' Canadians", same for my 3 sons. We pass this on to our children and they to theirs'' for eternety!!! Now you must understand why the Dutch shall never ever forget!
My wife and l visited the Netherlands five years ago. We went to the Holden Cemetery where thousands of Canadian soldiers were interred. The cemetery was crowded but we were the only Canadians there. We visited the grave of my wife's uncle who was killed two weeks prior to the end of the war. We planted a dozen small flags that we had given to friends prior to leaving Canada. People had written whatever on their flag with a magic marker. I was completely broken up when l read what a Dutch neighbor had written on his. It simply said: "Thankyou for saving my family". The gratitude is overwhelming. Each Dutch school child is given the responsibility of maintaining a particular gravesite and has access to a text describing the soldier who is interred there. What an incredible way to teach history, build a sense of gratitude and perpetuate an incredible story.
Robert and Jan Chartrand
London, 🍁
Absolutely beautiful..nothing more to say.. (kinda still choked up from the video and comments)
Yeah, Canadians are a very special people to us Dutch. We love them 😘
The feeling is mutual. 🇨🇦🇳🇱
Canadians and Dutch are family
We love you too! My boyfriend lived in the Netherlands for 6 years and he says that it was one of the best times of his life. He doesn't even call himself Canadian anymore he calls himself Euronadian 😂
And, we as Canadians would liberate you all over again in less time than it takes to blink.
This I say as a Canadian.
@@duaneanderson6130Here! Here!
Fuck with the Dutch and JTF2 is gonna come knockin...
Mert Can - It isn't just that the Dutch love Canada. We in Canada love the Dutch.
I am so proud that we were able to help liberate that country.
At the cost of 7,600 Allied casualties.
I have a special comment and so it's a little long. In the late eighties I went to Holland as young person, 16 or 17 years old. We were part of a student exchange and as such we had Canadian lapels on our jackets. A group of friends and I were stopped by a dignified tall Dutch women who was walking two beautiful German Shepherd dogs. She asked if we were Canadian, and we said that we were. And with that she started to tell us a story that lasted 15 minutes about how she, her sisters and parents were starving towards the end of the war. And then one day out of the blue sky, she heard airplanes and saw hundreds of soldiers falling out of them with parachutes and not long later other soldiers came along the roads and it was the Canadian Army. She told us how her father stopped one of the soldiers in a jeep and said his family and neighbours were starving. The soldier was actually a sergeant and he said he would be right back. An hour later he returned with bread and cooked meat. She said about 20 people shared it and it was the best meal they had had in years. She said she would never forget that day but remembers most that kind sergeant who brought them something to eat.
And what makes that more touching is that was their own rations that they would need .. so they accepted to go without while fighting to feed strangers ... even tho it risked dying themselves because of being weak themselves from lack of food.. they are MUCH better men then i could ever be.. may Jesus be smiling beside them now and when the time comes i pray alot of them get to ride behind him
I was there once and I met a Dutch girl who was just thrilled I was a Canuck ,she begged me to come to her home, I could do laundry, phone home, have dinner with the family , imagine my shock when her whole family, grandpa , uncles , cousins , grandma , the works , we had a beautiful dinner , all the while telling me stories about the crazy Canadians they fought with , the genuine love they expressed is something I will never forget !
what a great experience!
That’s so cool!!
You could have slept with her and the parents would still serve you a hot breakfast in bed.
You need to review the Seaforth Highlanders eyes right in the Netherlands. Very touching, I have this as a reoccurring video to watch every Remembrance Day.
Unbelievably proud. Wore the uniform. They teach the recruits a great deal of our battles.
My parents emigrated from the Netherlands to Canada after the war. My dad was 15 and my mom 13 when Germany invaded. My dad and his brother ended up in a German camp. His brother died and my dad barely made it out. He was rescued by Canadians and they fed him, which he never forgot. He loved Canada and being a Canadian. So did my mom.
I send you my love. There's no easy transition so ... I'm Canadian I was born in Alberta, but my family on both sides us from Ukraine. If I had the money or credit I'd get a one way trip over there to fight. Push the Russian to the Volga.
@@SSIronHeart Slava Ukraini
My grandparents had a very similar experience.
Awe. So happy that you came to Canada. I was in the Netherlands in 2020. Most people didn’t appreciate that I was Canadian. They had no idea what our Canadian soldiers did for them. I long to go to a community in the Netherlands who would appreciate me being Canadian
@@karleencampbell1526I'm Dutch, but I guess you have visited one of the larger cities were there are a lot of people not from here originally. I come from a smaller town and almost everyone I know has family in Canada and definitely knows about the special relationship
A student of mine told me that his dad used to own a cafe and they had this rule that no Canadian should ever have to pay for their drink or food in his establishment.
Still quite true today. I attended the 50th anniversary of the Netherlands liberation and we were literally given royal treatment wherever we went. We were given a rail pass and a name tag on a neck lanyard identifying us as Canadian attendees. We used the rail pass to take a trip to Amsterdam. We rented a car and toured all around the area where we were billeted in Wageningen, where my father fought as a senior Troop Sgt in charge of three Sherman tanks. We would enter a pub or cafe and be instantly feted as though we were rock stars. I have never in my life turned down so many free drinks. Driving under the influence is serious business at home but very rude as a guest of a foreign country. A beautiful country whose inhabitants are very demonstrative in their appreciation for all who took a hand in their liberation from a tyrannical and sometimes barbaric occupier.
I was a recipient of that in the Netherlands:)
I also have seen that in Dieppe, in Normandy. Particularly on August 19th, if you are Canadian, the restaurants and the cafés will not let you pay.
Honestly made me tear up hearing the Dutch people thanking the Canadian veterans. Love our Dutch brothers and sisters ❤🇨🇦🇳🇱
I tear up every time I watch this! One of my friend's Mum was a war bride from the Netherlands.
There's a literal waiting list to take care of the graves of our soldiers. That seems so unreal... ❤🇨🇦🇳🇱
It's still an honor to do so! @@TheDylls
We love our Canadian brothers and sisters as well.
Except Trudeau 😝
@@jasper46985 best comment!!!
I’m a 70 year old Canadian veteran. I served for six years from 1973 to 1980. In 1978/79 I served as a UN peacekeeper in the Sinai desert in the buffer zone after the last time Israel’s neighbours attacked. The medal I received for that hangs in a frame on my wall, but every November 11th, on Remembrance Day I contemplate taking it out and wearing it to local ceremonies. After that I imagine going to a Legion and letting all the young servicemen/women buy me a beer, as I tell my limited repertoire of war stories, just as I did years ago as a young corporal myself. I’m very proud of my service and prouder still to be a Canadian. Thank you so much for this post.
Thank you for your service!! Keep sharing your stories, it's so important.
It was the Children of Apeldoorn that gave the Canadian Army its new name. After one of the Canadians shared a Chocolate Bar with 6 starving children from that point on the children called the Canadian's the Chocolate Bar Army. The USA brought Guns the British brought bullets. But the Canadians brought food. My grandfather served in the Canadian army and was in the Netherlands in 1945 and in 1985 well I was serving in the CAF I got to March in the Nov 11 Remembrance Day parade in Apeldoorn. I have great respect for the People of the Netherlands ,see you would never see anything like this in Canada for Canadian Vets. Stay safe and peace out from canada
You shouls d see pictures at Cristmas. The school children put a candle on every Canadian grave it makes me choke up when I see it. The Durch are truly our friends.
It’s because especially at Christmas we don’t want them to be alone in the cold and the dark. They should have been celebrating Christmas with their families and loved ones but they sacrificed their lives so we could celebrate in freedom, without fear and tyranny instead. So I ques it’s the least we could do for them.
30+ years ago (I'm 57) I was hanging out with some friends, listening to music, drinking beers, and one of the people there turned out to be a Holocaust denier, said "there weren't that many Jews who died". I left. Got up, told everyone I would not be in the same room as someone like that, and left. 2am in the morning, I'm drunk, walking home... come across this guy walking the other way... I go up to him and repeat what the guy at the party had said... asked him if he agreed. He wasn't that much older then I was... so late 20s... he didn't look at me like I was nuts, just looked straight at me and said... "no... I'm Dutch". Just blew my mind. I was in tears, I was so moved by his response. He was heartfelt, and he said it with conviction. Up until that moment, I really had not understood the connection between Canada and the Netherlands.
Couple days later it was Remembrance Day, November 11th, and for the first time since I was in school, I went down to the Cenotaph downtown, and stood with the hundreds of others that were there. I will never forget.
I was living in Ireland, and ended up meeting a Dutch man. He asked if I was American. I corrected him😂. He asked if he could hug me. I was taken aback, insofar as having a random stranger want to hug me, when I dont hug my own family...he wanted to thank me. When I asked why, he said because my country saved his. So incredibly proud of my grandfathers who fought for this. And that emotion isn't forgotten through the generations ❤
I love Americans
@@dcpete5475he was a Canadian.....
"He asked if I was American,
I corrected him"
I’m a millennial. Born in ‘93, in The Netherlands. My closest connection to WW2 are my grandparents (of whom only my grandmother from mother’s side is still alive), but we were still taught about our liberators when I was in school in the 90’s and 00’s. My parents told and taught me about the Canadians (and Poles, Brits, French and Americans, but mostly Canadians). And now I myself am a father of three, I’ll be sure to tell my kids about those heroes.
Thank you Canadians ❤️
As retired Canadian Army (Cold War, not WW2) , thanks to you and the Dutch people for taking care of our fallen, you've repaid any debt time many times over.
My heart swells with pride to be Canadian and watch this video. “The Canadians are here” literally brought me to tears. My grandfathers served in WW2 and I’ve always been thankful they both survived, but seeing this makes me appreciate them even more. My paternal grandfather was German, and knowing he moved to Canada and then went back to fight against the nazis is a great source of pride in my family.
"The Canadians are here!" ALWAYS has me falling apart 😢❤
What a beautiful family story. Thanks for sharing. You should be proud. 🌸
My Dad was also descendants of Germany but also fought in the Canadian military, very proud of him!
In 1992, I was fortunate to be in The Netherlands visiting Danish friends who were living because of business. On the day Denmark and The Netherlands played the final game for the Euro Tournament, our friends invited their Dutch neighbours to watch the game at their home. After the game was over(Denmark won), we excused ourselves and went to our room to fetch a Canadian Flag lapel pin for the two Dutch neighbours. When we came back down and pinned one on their blouse and shirt, they broke into tears and said that was the most treasured gift they had ever been given. After they gave us a kiss on each cheek, the husband left and returned a few minutes later with a very expensive bottle of a special Dutch Liqueur and presented it to us. It turned out they and their families had been liberated by the Canadians and they were so happy they could finally say 'thank you'. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Such wonderful people.
You might find the true story of Leo Major, a Canadian war hero to be of interest. th-cam.com/video/eFf1UfVa8Lc/w-d-xo.html
It is estimated that the number of Scottish Canadians could be up to 25% of the Canadian population (so you now know where our accents come from).
The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps maintains 16 Scottish regiments and yes they wear kilts and bagpipes are the instrument of choice.
Heck, pretty sure every Canadian military base has its own pipe band, and I think pretty much every town in Canada must do as well, because I've traveled from coast to coast and I've never ever seen a parade that didn't have a pipe band in full Scottish regalia leading it. Terribly exciting as a kid, first hearing the faint bagpipes in the distance and knowing the parade was finally coming! :D
Bagpipes were not only a rallying cry, but a warning to the enemy that they were about to get trounced. No enemy hearing the pipes from the other side has ever said, "oh, this'll be easy." None.
There are several rwgiments in Canada with ties to Highland regiments Camerons, Argylls, Black Watch, etc. Sometimes the dicing on the bonnets is the only difference between the Canadian and Scottish regiments
@@KryssLaBrynPretty much! Per capita Canada has more pipers than anywhere else in the world, or at least that was the case a few years back.
the real spelling of ny surname is Macdonald. My grandpa was born in the West Isles, and grandma in North Uists of Scotland. Our family initially visited there in 1978 while i was 8 years old. We visited a lot of relatives whom we had never met yet. Since then many Macdonald's from Scotland have visited us (various family) in Canada, and many of us from Canada have gone back again to Scotland to visit with many of them
We (the Dutch) also have families assigned to foreign military grave in the Netherlands. To make sure they are clean and maintained. Those families also write letters to the relatives of those who gave their lives and are resting there. And even invite them over to visit the grave. Years after the war there was put in allot of work to find the relatives of those who are resting now in the Netherlands.
What an incredibly thoughtful way, for both the Canadian and the Dutch, to respect the memory of what these people (and their grieving families) sacrificed during the liberation of the Netherlands. No doubt, it means an awful lot to the families of those soldiers who never came home that their loved ones are still so appreciated. Thank you for your comment.
Wow, thank you doesn't feel good enough, but to the people of the Netherlands, thank you very much for your respect. I honestly don't have the words for the people that wrote letters. How amazing.
@@dixiechicken2643 It's the least we can do for our freedom. If you search on YT for "Dutch families maintaining American or Canadian graves" you will find few videos and documentaries about it :)
My Uncle Bill (my Mother's Brother) is buried in Bergen-op-zoom and I know his grave and all the others are very well taken care of. After the War, my Grandmother wrote a letter and asked how much it would cost for her Son's grave to be looked after and flowers placed regularly. She received a letter back telling her not to worry, the workers there would take very good care of his grave and there would be "No Charge" for doing so. AND....I love what the Dutch people do at Christmas Time at the graves of my Countrymen. My Grandmother made sure all of us knew the story of Uncle Bill and all about the letter she received. We Grandchildren now pass that life story and the contents of that letter on to all our younger children.
I have heard of this and I can’t tell you how beautiful this idea is! On behalf of those brave men resting there, thank you so much. You all have found a way to show your gratitude in a way that makes their sacrifice worth it. My great-uncle Junius Severeid is buried in France. He died during D-Day and I can only hope they are taking half as good care of him there as you all are here.
My father helped liberate the Netherlands and one of his best friends till the day he died was a Dutch man he met there and who later moved to Canada. He never wanted to talk about the horrible experiences he had there. He was in the Seaforth Highlanders, which is still a Vancouver based regiment. He died over 30 years ago and watching this brings tears to my eyes.
From Canada - Somethings you might want to know about Canadians :
I spent every November 11 since the 1940’s respecting the courageous and the fallen. I can tell you Canadians don’t crave credit or claim heroism. Our people just did what had to be done and then got on with their lives.
Here’s an example - my father was a pilot, a squadron leader. He joined the RAF when he was very young.
I knew he was a pilot but he didn’t talk much about it.
About 20 years after the war I read a newspaper article about him.
I then learned he flew in the Battle of Britain.
I think one of the other things to remember is that when WWII started, Canadian men (like my grandfather) VOLUNTEERED! They didn't wait for conscription to force them to fight.
I remember hearing a CBC radio personality named Jeff Douglas talking about vacationing in the Netherlands . He said that he had been at a restaurant and a very expensive bottle of wine arrived at his table . He asked why and the waitress told him that an old man asked for it to be given to him when he heard that he was Canadian . He went to the old man telling him that he could not accept such an expensive gift . The old man told him that the first time he had ever tasted chocolate was when a Canadian soldier had given him a candy bar and he wanted to give Mr. Douglas the wine as a show of his gratitude for what the soldier had done for him all those years before . It's amazing how something as simple as a chocolate bar could have a lifetime of meaning .
Things like this are what shows the beauty of life.
Nice reaction! I'm Dutch. We will never ever forget the sacrifices of the Canadian, Brittish, Americans and Poles (!) Who liberated our country.
So my thanks not only is for the Canadians, but also for those other soldiers. Thank you and God bless you (perhaps your own granddad?) for this. ❤👍
It was mainly Canada alone who liberated the Netherlands, search it up its acc amazing it was pretty much all Canadian divisions there
@@matthewbush4471 That's true!!
My father helped liberate the Dutch in WWII, I have 6 siblings and we all very proud. He was there in 1995 for the anniversary and was very touched by the love and appreciation.
@@matthewbush4471 And most of them had marched up after fighting in Southern Italy.
@@matthewbush4471 i don't think anyone is diminishing the role of the Canadians in liberating large parts of the Netherlands. But the British, Americans and Poles also were important, look up operation market garden or watch the movie A bridge too far. I'm from the south, we were mainly liberated by the British. That doesn't prevent me from having very warm feelings and gratitude towards Canadians. There's enough love to share here in the Netherlands 😂
Such a great story. It made this Texan cry. I am glad that the Canadians and the Dutch are our allies.
Canadian here: We know that the Texans ain't no one to F with... We're glad you've got OUR backs ;)
Don't forget, if we Canadians were in great need, Texans would be about the very first people on Earth to come to our aid.
We respect you all a great amount.
Right back at you my Texan friend 🇨🇦 🇺🇸
Canadians and Americans will forever be allies and brothers in arms. ❤
My Oma and Opa lived in Katwijk aan Zee during the war, and immigrated to Canada in 1954. They told me stories of living on boiled tulip bulbs to survive, and how my Opa rode his bicycle with rope tied around the rims because all rubber had to be surrendered. He told me that he and a Canadian soldier shared a cigarette together, had a conversation in two different languages and neither of them understood each other but still had a nice time and a laugh together.
Thank you for honouring our Veterans and for discussing the infinite connection between the Netherlands and Canada.
My beloved father is seen here in the interview with Peter Mansbridge at the Pub - Fraser A. Muir, WWII Veteran and the epitome of humble, kind and gentlemanly. His chin quivered as he told me the story of a beautiful little Dutch girl, maybe 6 years old with long blond hair. “Can I touch you, she asked gingerly.” My father, who adored children ( a father of five of his own), replied “Of course, you can touch me, sweetheart” as he extended his arms. They embraced warmly for a second or two, she thanked him and then exclaimed in glee as she turned back to her family, “I touched a Liberator! I touched a Liberator!!”
May he, his comrades and all those that never came home forever rest in peace.
Your father's story is very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.---a Torontonian
My grandfather was part of that Canadian regiment that was in Holland. He’s passed away now but he would tell stories about how starved they were and about sharing all their food. It breaks your heart.
I still thank al the Canadians, and your grandfather!
@@Jaydon05 ❤️❤️❤️
@Vintage Moss my uncle as well! I have the bracelet made from Dutch coins that he brought home and gave my Mom.
My Dad was also part of that liberation.
My father-in-law was a gunner on a tank, he was in the Canadian 4th armoured division that took part in liberating Holland. He mention how hungry the Dutch children were, I believe he said he gave some children ice cream a treat of some kine. His unit didn't linger around as they were chasing the Germans, he mentioned spending something like 10 hour or so firing at the Germans over the Rhine. My father-in-law and his brother who also took part in the liberation of Holland, both are now passed away. They both went back to Holland in 1976 and said how great they were treated.
Dutch families still tend the many graves of Canadian soldiers who never made it home. There continues to be a waiting list for families who are prepared to take on that honour. It's such a beautiful and humbling gesture, so personal and timeless, to know that our boys are still being cared for by the Dutch people.
On the war cemetery Margraten, the south of the Netherlands, all graves are adopted and taken care of by locals.
I live in Rotterdam, ± two hours drive. If I lived there, I would have wanted to adopt a grave.
One keeps in contact with the relatives of the soldiers, the story behind the soldier is often mentioned.
We should always remember the soldiers and their ultimate sacrifice.
I am Moluccan. Also in Ambon, there is a war cemetery. I try to visit it every time I am there. It is beautiful and well maintained.
Thanks to all those true heroes.😔🙏🏼✌🏼
@@Haroekoe Thanks for adding more specifics to my comment. It is logical that different areas of the country would have their own procedures. Our boys remain in good hands. 💖
There are more than a DOZEN highland regiments in the Canadian Armed Forces. The cultural influence of Scotland (especially that of the Highlands and Islands) in Canadian history is gigantic. There are still some villages in Nova Scotia where people speak Gaelic ---- a language that was once widespread in the whole country. Wave after wave of Scots came to Canada, driven by the Clearances and famines of the 18th and 19th centuries. Others came with the Hudson's Bay Company, to make their fortunes in the fur trade, to explore the land, and to marry into the First Nations. Still, to this day, there's hardly a public event without pipers. I live in downtown Toronto, and my apartment is two blocks away from a park with a huge statue of Robbie Burns. I'm French Canadian, but I absorbed huge amounts of Scottish culture in my childhood, as did most of my contemporaries.
.....
When I visited the Netherlands, I was treated like royalty when I was revealed to be Canadian. It overwhelmed me, the warmth I got from the Dutch who usually pride themselves on being practical and unemotional.
Yup! They still teach Gaelic in regular public schools in the Cape Breton region in Nova Scotia, and yeah, parades all over NS and British Columbia have Highland pipe band leading them too!
You guys should check out Great Big Sea and some of the other Canadian Maritime bands; the Scottish influence is still extremely obvious and strong!
@@KryssLaBryn Well, GBS is more Newfoundland/Irish, but Rawlin's Cross, a band from St John's, was very Scottish influenced as they had a highland piper in the band. A great band.
Just to let you know, the Calgary Highlanders were part of the Canadian forces who liberated The Netherlands
@@dutchdryfly I did know that. Both my parents (both French Canadian) served during WW2 (bomber pilot and flight controller). While they didn't talk a lot about the war, they would always correct things that were wrong in movies we watched, and they mentioned the Calgary Highlanders with great respect.
I always feel very humbled by the Dutch's long remembrance of Canadian soldiers in the field and Princess Margaret's birth in exile. Whenever the tulips are delivered to the capitol, all across the country we get to appreciate their colourful beauty on the evening news.
In 1985, the Netherlands held a National Tattoo in Breda to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the liberation. The shows were held over a three-week period.
The Dutch formed a band called the “Liberators band” with musicians from every country that helped in the liberation. I was lucky enough to be one of 7 Canadian musicians sent by the Canadian military.
During the day, we would visit this magnificent country (beautiful country and beautiful people). One of the Dutch musicians whom I befriended invited me to his grandfather’s house. I had such a great visit, listening to his stories during the occupation and after the Canadians had arrived.
When it was time to leave, the grandfather wanted to give me all kinds of things from his house and said that he was grateful. I told him that I wasn’t even born in 1945 and that I shouldn’t receive anything. He replied that my father or grandfather was involved. He wanted so much to show his affection for Canada. So, in their names I accepted only a bottle opener and told him that his time, his stories, and his love of Canada honours them and that they know what’s in his heart.
As you mentioned at the end of your stream, by hearing and seeing firsthand how this man lived the occupation and liberation, I understood better the value of freedom and the tragedy of losing it.
Thank you for bringing these memories back.
My great grandfather rode into the Netherlands on a tank during that liberation.
❤️
A small Dutch boy who watched the tanks roll in, eventually moved to Canada and by some long shot, ended up settling in the town where my great-grandfather lived, so they got to reunite years after.
What town was that?
The tiny town of Wells, BC.
It's close to what is now Barkerville, the historical site made into a touristy thing. Lol
I only found out 6 years ago that my Father also rode into the Netherlands in a Sherman Tank, his Sherman Tank. It was after fighting through North Africa, Sicily and Italy, which I knew he did, but didn't know he was in a Sherman of The 8th ( New Brunswick ) Hussars all that time. He passed away in 2004 and rarely talked about the War. This brought tears to my eyes.
My grandfather rode into the Netherlands in a tank as well (I believe a Churchill), 5th Ant-tank Regiment, 4th Armoured Division. He had the misfortune to be caught in an ambush. He was rolling along one of the dykes in Nijmegen, the middle tank in a line of 3 tanks. The Germans took out the leading tank,and then the trailing tank, so that the middle tank couldn't move.They then started machine-gunning the tank crews as as they opened the hatches to escape. As he told it, he got out of the hatch and dove head-first 20 feet down to the base of the dyke to avoid being shot. He was re-assigned (having lost his tank), and spent the rest of the war organizing fitness and recreation for the troops. He made it back from the war, and sadly, passed away in 1991 at the age of 85.
My adoptive father served as an aircraft engineer. He didn't believe he deserved to be respected as he didn't serve on the front lines. But I told him he deserved to be respected because without him those aircraft would not flying. My beloved father, I still miss you. rest in peace Ralph Wilkins I still remember those hugs you gave me and I miss them so much.
Hero
I am a second generation Canadian. Both sets of grandparents left the Netherlands for Canada after the war as there was no future for them. A few years ago I was able to go to the Netherlands. I was able to visit some unknown Canadian soldiers grave sites. They are very well looked after, and any Canadian that goes there are treated very well too. I am very proud to be Canadian, and of my Dutch heritage too ❤
P.S. - just discovered your channel and binge all the content! Looking forward to your next video 😊 Thank you!!!
My parents were liberated by English speaking soldiers in the east of the Netherlands. They raised us children up with the greatest respect for our liberators and learned us about their culture and mentality. We absorbed everything in terms of music, ethics, moral, arts etc..
We will be thankful for ever.
I am proud to be both Canadian and Dutch! Born and raised in Canada but my Oma and Opa share stories all the time about the war. They were both just young children but they both remember the liberation of the Netherlands
My mother's stepbrother, Walter Atkinson, a Canadian, was killed in 1945 in the liberation of the Netherlands. He and 1,393 other Canadians are buried at the 'Holten Canadian War Cemetery' located at Holten in the eastern Netherlands. It is a beautifully maintained park-like cemetery with a large, volunteer run, interpretive centre with many education programs. I know in the 1960's and 70's the Netherlands had a program where local families 'adopted' a fallen liberator and made sure the solder was remembered and his grave maintained. I don't know if they still have that wonderful program but in 1967 (when I was a child) my family visited the family (from Enschede) that 'adopted' Walter and visited the cemetery with them. Years later when my parents returned to the Netherlands on vacation, that family generously showed my parents the sights all over the Netherlands. Remarkable people!
The Dutch do still maintain each Allied grave. I’m American. Every single grave since 1948 when the program started. Americans, British, Polish…every. Single. Grave. Often the honor is passed through generations of the same family. And the waiting list to adopt a grave, is very long. I didn’t know of this until I was in my 50s.🇺🇸🇨🇦🇱🇺
I was at the last big parade for Canadian veterans here in Apeldoorn in 2015. It was very moving as everyone realised it would probably be the last such event. Even the little children seemed to appreciate what it was all about.
My grandfather fought in WW2 and recently passed away at 100. For his last birthday we spread it around on social media and he got cards from a lot of countries outside of Canada. One, in particular, was from a young Dutch student who sent a card. It was very heart felt. Being a veteran myself, your reaction to this is making me teary eyed. Thank you friend.
Such a proud heritage Timm, it's families like yours that make me still wear the poppy even if the people in the country I currently live have no idea of what it means
You have my condolences
Your grandpa was a brave man.
He was indeed. Thank you friend.
My Dutch mother and my Canadian soldier father met at a Liberation dance in Utrecht.
They fell in love and my dad worked to bring my mom over to Canada. They were such a happy couple and they were wonderful parents.
I think the Dutch still go out of their way to pass along the memory to younger generations because they were so deeply and directly affected by the German occupation.
One of my family members, a cousin of my grandfathers who I always called my Uncle when I was growing went into France in July 44, was captured during a fierce battle that did not go well for the Canadians, and escaped. All I knew when I was a kid was that he served and was captured, I did not find out the entire story until long after he died.
In Canada, although every family during the war made a contribution, with approximately 10 percent of the entire 11 million population serving in the military, this has not been passed on in the same way.
My grandfather enlisted in late September of 1939, and was not demobilized until April of 1946. My mother was 2 when he left, and was 9 when he returned. As a non-combatant in the Postal Corps, he was an officer by the time of the liberation in Holland. He would likely have been responsible for those letters that Peter was reading. One of his friends married a woman from the Netherlands who came back to Canada after the war. As friends of the family she was like an aunt to us.
The Battle of the Scheldt in October/November of 1944 was a part of the lengthy push to liberate the Netherlands with primarily the 1st Canadian Army, including units of British and Polish. Another of my extended family cousins served in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders from 1940 through 1945.
Canada has many connections to Scottish and British military unit history, and the general population in Canada during both of the World Wars had strong ties to the UK. My favourite aunt was of Scottish ancestry and was in Apeldoorn after the liberation with CWAC Pipe Band. Her parents were both decorated First World War veterans born in Scotland.
Could go on for pages... this is probably more than enough.
The Dutch children know more about Canada’s contributions than Canadian children do.
Thankyou.🇧🇲🏴🏴
Sadly my parents do not ( my dad says it's too long ago)
So I may not know everything, but I respect those fallen men and woman, resistance fighter and soldiers for my freedom.
I don't pray, but I am always every year 2 minutes silent ( as almost the whole country does ) to pay respect to them all
My father was a ww2 liberator of the Netherlands and Belgium. I heard that grade 5 student in the Netherlands takecare/mind soldiers graves. My father returned there once in the late 1980's. He was shopping in a small town. A store clerk asked him if he was American, he said no, I'm Canadian. She asked him if he was a veteran, he said yes. She asked him to wait and she called some people. They came and thanked him personally and hugged him. Some were ww2 survivors but most were born after that period (according to my mother who was with him). She said it was quite the site. He was normally a very quiet man about the subject. One of the towns he liberated was Appledorn. It's nice to see this film. ty
He was in what was known as the Toronto Scottish Regiment, he had a tatoo on his forearm of a girl with a tam..the tam had a banner that read Scotland..from ww2
I am Canadian and throughout my teenage years I was in army cadets in Canada. In 2015 my corps actually took a trip to Europe to visit WWI and WWII sites that Canada took part in for the 70th anniversary of VE day. We went to the Netherlands and actually took place in multiple parades just like this video. It was something else, random people coming up to you and saying thank you (which was weird because I was 16, and clearly didn't participate in the liberation). I absolutely love the Dutch, such beautiful and kind people.
The south of the Netherlands was liberated by Polish forces, I found out that 200.000 Polish soldiers fleed to England in 1939 and later in the war made a seperated unit of English soldiers (from Poland) So they liberated a huge part of the Netherlands in 1944/45 . I was totally suprised a few years ago after finding out this story..My greetings to the Polish people from Friesland.
The two countries actually met one another in the Netherlands! Due to being better equipped, the Polish actually took the Canadian regiment in! It’s an absolutely fascinating part of history!
Actually during the liberation of my city of Groningen in the North more civilians than Canadians died because they went out to cheer them on. At the 50th anniversary the veterans came to visit and it was just magnificent, luckily it was summer weather that early may week and everybody was out, fully and ostantiously as always in the 90's celebrating their liberty. I was proud they were shown a happy, buzzing, beaming city. To show they didn't make such sacrifices for us to waste into an unpleasant city.
Canadian flags everywhere, also little ones on the many bicycles. Young and old, students and grungers and ravers bought the veterans their sidewalk cafe drinks.
One veteran, Joe, stayed at my uncle's house in a village nearby. He and his platoon had lunch on the roof terrace of my student house from where they could oversee the South of the city from which they entered back then. They were all over 80 so we use the neighbouring flat's elevator to get them up the five stories and then via the fire exit, and the people from that flat came out to greet them and thank them. I had female flatmates only but contrary to their visit 50 years earlier none of them got pregnant. It was just such an amazing feeling to be part of showing off, flaunting, what the freedom they fought for resulted in.
WOW! Just... wow... As a 32yr old Canadian (who didn't have any family who fought in the Netherlands, specifically) I have to be brutally honest and say that as proud as I am to claim these soldiers, these people, as "my own"... I don't think that there's much chance that I would ever be brave enough to step up like they did.
That being said, there was one specifc part of your comment that brought tears to my eyes, as a Canadian:
"To show they didn't make such sacrifices for us to waste into an unpleasant city"
And I couldn't figure out why until I thought about it for a moment. Now, I'm probably not going to be able to explain this properly in the YT Comment Section, but:
To think less of someone else or an entire town - especially if their turnout was more subdued for such a sombre event - is such a NON-Canadian thing that, at first, one might ALMOST think "How dare you think we would be so rude?!"
But then you see actual footage of the event and the joy and love that is outpouring and it becomes pretty much immediately obvious...
"You guys" aren't doing this to PROVE you're gratitude, per sé. It's more that "you all" have so much gratitude that it can't be contained!!!
Tl;dr Canadian with ZERO ties to your country's past liberation sends his appreciation for your message and his general love lol
My Dad was a Sniper in the PPCLI (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) in WWII. He landed in Sicily, went up through Italy during the Italian campaign, and was one of the first into Holland. His uniform had a stylized cat face shoulder patch, lol.
He might have served with one of Canada's well known authors, Farley Mowat. He wrote a book about his experience in Sicily, "Ans No Bird Sang". I am proud to have a signed copy.
@@ruthkirkparick3535 I had no idea about Farley Mowat's book regarding this, thank you kindly!
@@ruthkirkparick3535 He also wrote a book about the Hasty P's called The Regiment. They also were in the 1St Cdn Div and landed in Sicily. I am not sure what happened to my copy of it since I read it about 4 decades ago.
My father was too young to enlist (to his fury) for WWII but later joined the PPCLI. His uncle landed in Sicily and was killed there. He has a street named after him in Halifax Nova Scotia.
You need to watch Leo Major: the one eyed scout who liberated a whole town by himself
Totally agree!
First I must apologize for how long this story may be! I have recently discovered your channel, and I’m enjoying it greatly! I am Canadian, and I have appreciated all that you are learning to understand about our country! In regards to this particular video, I wish to share an experience,so profound that I had, when visiting the Holten Canadian war cemetery, in Holten Netherlands. Mid November 2004, my father and I were visiting Holland, and we were at this cemetery to pay respects for my step mothers Uncle Foster, a Canadian soldier, who just weeks before the liberation, died of his injuries. At this time of year in Holland… It’s pretty damp and wet and cloudy and they observe the fall season just as we do here in Canada. Going through the cemetery itself was very profound, as I read the headstones of many soldiers who had passed away during this time of war. Many soldiers, were so young…18 years old, 20 years old, 21 years old, so on and so forth. As we proceeded to walk through the cemetery my heart simply ached for the loss of these young men who faught so valiantly to help this country! These hero’s from my homeland!! I could not have been more proud! We finally came to uncle Foster’s headstone, being that it was mid-November the flowers that usually are planted around each head stone by the local caretaker of the cemetery had long disappeared, the cold-weather taking their beauty with them! As we proceeded to lay flowers upon his grave, The caretaker came up to us, asking if we were going to be taking pictures. We struck up a conversation about how we were Canadians and why we were here and he stopped us dead in our tracks… Asking us to remain at the site for some moments until he returned. We promised that we would. We proceeded to lay the dozen roses we brought and also to Canadian quarters, that had poppie emblems embedded in them as a tribute from our Country to the soldiers who died during this war time liberation! The caretaker returned shortly, and to our great surprise and honor… He proceeded to take off of his tractor a large amount of beautiful flowers that he had removed from a greenhouse, and proceeded to plant them all around uncle Fosters grave! My heart exploded with absolute pride and gratitude! As the gentleman explained he did not want us to take such a plain picture of a hero in his resting place! This is the day I became the most proud Canadian! After this incident he proceeded to invite us back to his home for tea! We were greeted as if we were family, that had been gone for a long time, and had returned “home” for a visit! The history of the surrounding villages and countryside, were brought to us via these amazing people! All these years after the war had ended and they made us feel as if we were part of their family! To this day I keep in contact with this family! It profoundly changed me in so many ways! Most of all making me be more proud than I ever could be of my country and my fellow countrymen!! Long-winded as this has been, I wish to thank you so much for bringing forth such an amazing story to be shared with the rest of the world! You have gained a follower in me!! From my home to yours… Thank you!! ❤🇨🇦🌹
@lilcampingirl what a beautiful story. You can be proud that you visited the grave of your family member here in the Netherlands. 🇳🇱🧡🇨🇦
@lilcampingirl Your story brought tears to my eyes, to see gratitude like that still exists is a testament to how deserving of sacrifice the people of the Netherlands were, and the pride that our country helped in some way to bring it about
What an incredible and heart warming story. Thank you for sharing!
My Father fought to liberate the Netherlands, he was billeted with a Dutch family whose decedents still exchange Christmas cards with us
You BETTER apologize for that story!!
...but only cause I'm crying 😢❤
There is a tulip festival in Ottawa each May and the tulip bulbs are a gift from the Netherlands. You were also asking about the Highlanders. Last time I read on this, there are sixteen
Canadian-Scottish Highlander Regiments throughout Canada. 1st Battalion is located in the province of beautiful Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. Nova Scotia is Latin for
New Scotland. Just wonderful wonderful people there, many who immigrated to Canada. If you feel this pull to find out more about Canada this may be the reason.
As a Canadian, the title "Highlander Regiment" sends chills through me like only "Navy SEAL" or "Spetsnaz" can...
You know, kinda like: Name one kind of person you do NOT want to F with...
It may not quite be illegal but it is rare to have a parade in Canada without a pipe band.
There is also a 2nd Battalion of the NS Highlanders located in Cape Breton. During WW2 the Battalions were separate Regiments designated the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and the Cape Breton Highlanders.
I live now in Ontario in Essex County. Here we have the Essex and Kent Scottish. Sadly, they're too well known as one of the Regiments chewed up in the Dieppe raid. If you do more research you'll find that Mountbatten was far from universally like here.
I live on Vancouver island and in the spring our capital Victoria is just covered in tulips from the Dutch bulbs.
It's not just the Dutch, and not just WW2.
My great uncle died in 1916 at Ypres (Belgium/Flanders). He was American, but went up to Canada and joined with the 21st Canadian Expeditionary Force.
He's buried at Menin Gate, where every single day there is a tribute ceremony to the fallen soldiers of WW1.
Every year, the Belgian lady who takes care of his tombstone sends us a photo and a nice letter (email).
Edit: 10,000 Americans died while fighting under the Canadian flag during WW1, and got no official recognition from the US government.
41,000 Americans volunteered and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during WW1, before the US joined the war in April, 1917.
I have heard for a long time, certain school grades of children are responsible for maintaining the cemetaries of Canadian Soldiers buried there, they cut the grass and make sure there are flowers !!! So you are right, they are taught from a very young age to be thankful!! From a Canadian, God Bless the Netherlands for you Grace an Remembrance, more than I can say for Canadian school age kids today, forgotten, too violent, too messy, not nice, WE AREN'T GOING TO TEACH ABOUT THAT !!
As a member of the Canadian Air force, I was serving in Germany in the early 90's. I was driving on the autobahn just south of Heidelberg, when a car approached me from behind, started flashing their lights and passed me honking the horn and waving. Since my car had Canada plates, sticker of the flag, and the CDN sticker, this would happen once in a while so I waved back. Then I noticed that car and occupants were Dutch. Made my day! Another story was from a friend who was station in Belgium in the 80's recounted a story where he got off a train in uniform and an old Dutchman insisted he carry my friend's luggage. Served along side the Dutch during Afghanistan, and during repatriation ramp ceremonies of both our countries fallen (with UK, Aus and NZ). I am humbled and grateful.
Yes we have a very special relationship with the Dutch. The royal family was in exile here. and Princess Margriet was born here. They declared part of the Ottawa Civic Hospital, Dutch soil so she could be born a Dutch citizen. The Netherlands sends thousands of tulips every year to Ottawa as a thank you. My dad was in the RCAF in WWII he married my mum who he met in London. There were loads of war brides who were brought to Canada after the war. One of my best friend’s mother was a Dutch war bride..
Princess Margriet was going to be born Dutch anyway. Here in the NL we don’t do the nationality by birth on Dutch soil thing. You’re born Dutch because of the Dutch nationality of your parent(s). In Canada however you’re born Canadian by being born on Canadian soil. Margriet’s birth in Canada would thus have resulted in both a Dutch and Canadian nationality. Being the daughter of the crown princess, in line of succession to the throne, this was not ideal. To remedy this, the Canadians didn’t declare the hospital room where Margriet was born Dutch territory. They declared that any place where Princess Juliana was at, was extra-territorial (non-Canadian). Automatically making the hospital room extra-territorial. Thus Princess Margriet was not born in Canadian territory and therefor not a Canadian citizen. Dual citizenship avoided without having to temporarily make Canadian territory Dutch.
@@speerboom Thank you for the explanation, I had always heard it the other way, and there are probably many who do not know the real details
Battle of vimy ridge is Canada most honoured battles. Canada also has a very rich Scottish regiments through the country.
Canadian here: When "we" - or at least I - see a Canadian Serviceman with a tightly cropped "orange" beard?!?!
I'd rather wrestle a goose...
The Rolling (Creeping) Barrage, BABY!
"Have you tried softening them with mortar fire?"
"Well, DUH!"
"Ok, ok... Have you tried firing the mortars practically at our own men while they advance?"
"Uhhhh, NO... Why... What..."
"We got this."
I'm very touched the Dutch still honour our soldiers. Every Christmas Eve local school children will put lit candles on Canadian graves. I live near Ottawa Ontario and we have the Tulip Festival every year. It's a very beautiful sight.
There's a connection between Scotland and Canada as well. Some of our regiments are connected to Scottish ones like the Highlanders.
I live on Vancouver island & every year our capital in Victoria is just COVERED in tulips from the bulbs the Dutch send us.
I am a 62 year old Canadian man. When I was 22 I backpacked through Europe with my 2 buddies with our Canadian flags on our jean jackets. That is how we learned how honourable the Canadian soldiers who fought WW2 were. We were treated with kindness and respect wherever we went. I am so proud of my father's generation who fought for our freedom! Thank you for showcasing them. We are tough people who will fight to the end for what is right in this world. Love and Peace!
I live in the netherlands about 5 minutes from the German border. Our town also was freed by the Canadians and my father (being 7 at that time) vividly remembers them rolling through the streets of Winterswijk and showered with flowers! This video therefore always hits so hard...
I’m 32 years old now, but I still remember these Liberation Days. It’s held annually on the 5th of May, which marked the end of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. My parents took my brother and me to a local parade of veterans near my hometown of Haarlem. That was probably one of the last times these veterans could still be present during the Liberation Festivals. It was very similar to what we just watched in Apeldoorn.
My city of Haarlem was also liberated by the Canadians. You can still find some footage of the liberation of Haarlem, here on TH-cam. And yes, my grandmother experienced first hand what it was like to live in the Netherlands during the Second World War. Most, it not all, of the Jewish families living in her neighborhood never returned from the concentration camps. Her father would keep the belongings of the neighbors stored on the attic, waiting for them to return after the war. They never did.
That is so sad.
When I was young and in the hospital , the older lady in the next bed was Dutch, she was a concentration survivor. She and one child survived but her husband and other child did not, after she was liberated she met a Canadian man whom she married and then immigrated to Canada. She was Catholic not Jewish, but since she had been a nurse I assumed she likely was taken to concentration camp as she either helped the Jewish or downed Allied pilots.
My first trip to Europe 33 yrs ago was to Holland. I can tell you from personal experience that when they found out I was Canadian I was treated like royalty. I knew the history of our connection but once you experience it with the people there are no words to describe it. It was one of the best experiences I have had. I live in Ottawa and Holland has donated tulips to Canada ever since we liberated them from the war. We have the tulip festival every year here and it just gets better and better every year with the different color tulips we get....lots of love for Holland!!!!
The Dutch show more reverence too our military than we do. I had the pleasure too support the Nimeaghean march that the Canadian Forces marches every year. It was amazing, as a Canadian soldier I’ve never felt such reverence-for my for fathers. Had three family members fight there in WW2 why I served, in their name.
As a Canadian, I'm incredibly proud of the role our soldiers played in the liberation of the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, and of the special relationship we have with the Dutch. It's so impressive to me that even current generations are taught what happened. I'm hoping to be able to visit some areas of the Netherlands with connections to the Canadian contribution to its liberation someday.
Are you off Polish descent? Looking at your surname...
The Polish soldiers should never been forgotten too.
Their story is often forgotten, but being cut off from their homeland, the Polish soldiers decided to continue to fight.
I honour the Canadian, the American, the British, the Australian, the Polish soldiers who fought outside their own countries, who sacrificed their lives.
We have a huge war cemetery in Margraten. All graves are adopted by locals, who take care of the graves for the relatives of the soldiers who are not able/have never been able to visit 😔😔😔😔🙏🏼✌🏼
@@Haroekoe I do have some Polish ancestry (about 3% as per 23 & me). My grandfather came from Bukovina province in Ukraine, a territory which had at various times been both Ukrainian & Romanian. His passport, which I have a copy of, is a Romanian passport. His last name is actually spelled differently on the passport, but was changed by customs when he got here. It was originally Czechowskij. He actually went to the US first when he left in 1920, but didn't like it there & came to Canada instead & stayed. You're right about the Polish soldiers, most particularly the airmen, who, after the Nazis took their country, became some of the best pilots the Allies had. I've only ever transited through the Amsterdam airport, but do want to visit the Netherlands to see some of the WWII sites before I get too old.
@@robchehowski4281 Thanks for sharing your heritage. Don't postpone what can be done now ;-) If you ever make it to the Netherlands, particularily Rotterdam, I could show you around. Rotterdam was bombarded completely on March 31, 1943.
Our whol einnercity was gone, so completely rebuilt after the war.
My current house is actualy near the „fire border" the edge of the bombardement.
On old post war photo's I can see it (it was finished 1938). Some cracks in the wall might be because of the bombardement.
Only three buildings more or less „survived" (not completely bombebd): a Medieval cathedral, our City hall and our post office (now out of order, under construction/ rebuilt into appartements) .
In 2018 Rotterdam built stairs leading to a high building near me. From the roof top one could overlook the inner city. The message: everything you see nowadays was flattened for as far as one could see.
www.3develop.nl/blog/the-rotterdam-staircase-stairway-to-heaven/
Its weird to commemorate the war, while Ukraine was again invaded. In Rotterdam we have several Ukranian refugees. This week I will bring stuff to a coordination center, that transport all to Ukrain.
Take care/greetings from Rotterdam.
In 2020 the Dutch Royal family made a special orange colour tulip to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the liberation. The Queen donated tulips (like they do every year) but these tulips were a special orange colour. Canadians could buy this limited edition tulip. I bought two dozen and they all came up and most have three flowers on each bulb. I bought them to remember my father-in-law's contribution in liberating the Dutch people. The Queen was to come to Canada in 2020 to present these special tulips to the Prime Minister and the Canadian people, but unfortunately Covid came and that was cancelled. I wish one could add a pic on the comments, as I have a beautiful pic of these orange tulips growing in my garden.
The Canadians will always be remembered as the hero's who liberated the biggest part of The Netherlands.
In the south-east part of The Netherlands, where I live, we are also very thankful to the 15th Scottish Division, the 227th Infantry Brigade and 46st Infantry Brigade,where the Gordon, Seaforth and Glasgow Highlanders and the Cameronians liberated our region.
Lest we forget!!
As a Canadian, this is very moving to me. I want to go to the Netherlands and hug the Dutch.
Every Canadian is welcome here! ❤
Thank you for posting this. I’m a son of a WW2 resistance-fighter, and was born in Wageningen, the city you saw in the documentary where the capitulation was signed. You must know that every year, especially in Wageningen, we celebrate our liberation by The allies. All of them, Canadian, British, Scottish, Polish and so on. We are eternally grateful, and remember that freedom is not something to be taken lightly. Especially now, when peace is at risk and democracy is under fire. Unfortunately people forget how precious these things are, and how hard it is to get it back when it’s lost in a war or in elections that promise to submis others. Please keep in mind what can go wrong learning from the past…
Exactly. After all, Hitler was ELECTED in 1933.🇺🇸🇨🇦🇱🇺🇬🇧🏴🇵🇱🇫🇷
Thank you for this. My dad fought in the war in the Calgary Highlanders. He was seriously injured taking Caan but was back on the front line helping to liberate the Netherlands. These men are true heroes. 🇨🇦🇳🇱
"Highland" regiments are quite common in the Canadian Army. Black Watch of Canada, Essex Scottish, North Nova Scotia Highlanders and many more. My Dad was with the North Novies at D day and on to the Scheldt Estuary and the liberation of Holland.
Following the revolt of the thirteen revolting American Colonies, many Scottish regiments demobilized and settled in Canada. Modern Canadian Highland Regiments are their successors.
My father in law was also in the North Novies at D Day and beyond not sure for how long though.
Learning about this as a child and looking more into it as I grew up; it warms my heart and makes me teary eyed. The Netherlands have been at the top of my list for countries I'd love to visit ❤
My sister and her friend went to Europe in the sixties. When they ended up in Holland, my sister was shocked with how the Dutch reacted to her being Canadian. Plus my Dad was a soldier in Holland during W.W11. Pam was treated like royalty. She had no idea how much the Dutch loved Canadians until then. She did know my Dad loved the Dutch and their bravery.. Drinks and meals were provided for her and Bonnie everywhere they went.
I have experienced that love first hand ... unworthy though I have felt. I have had the honour and privilege of representing Canada twice as part of the celebrations in the Netherlands in May, in 2015 and again earlier this year (2023). Each as part of a Canadian pipe band touring for various events around the country. The welcome where ever we go is amazing. But to be marching down the main street in Apeldoorn and have an elderly Dutch gentleman reach out from the crowd, shake your hand as he looks you in the eye and says "We love you" is a profoundly humbling and moving experience. To be in a small Dutch village, where a street party broke out after a remembrance ceremony, and have a resident put his arm around you and say that now you have a little taste of what it was like to be one of the Liberators ... just wow! To have children in a foreign land sing your national anthem ... to walk inside the village windmill and see the children's school projects about Canada. It truly amazes me. Those two trips to the Netherlands have been highlights of my life for sure. I look forward to hopefully returning in 2025.
The Scots were one of the major groups of first immigrants to Canada, so there are many, many Army units with Scottish names and traditions, bagpipes, kilts, the whole bit !! My brother served with a reserve unit for 30 plus years, Cameron Highlanders of Canada !!
My father (ex-RCAF) was invited to bring his community band from Canada to participate in the 35th VE celebrations in Nijmegen and Amsterdam (1980). He was overwhelmed by the reception of the Dutch people and made a life long friend who visited our family in Canada on several occasions. My nephew (ex-RCA) has also marched in VE celebrations there in 2015, still experiencing a huge outpouring of gratitude from the Dutch people. An unbreakable bond between peoples.
It feels really good as a Canadian to have this special connection between our countries. One of our country's proudest and best moments in our history I would say 🇨🇦
Another being 9/11/2001. I’m American and former USAF. The Newfoundland people were so good to our stranded, scared Americans who were forced to land when US airspace was closed due to the attacks.🇺🇸🦅🇨🇦
@jimreilly917 operation gander it was called was it not? I could be wrong on the name but I remember. Another great moment and story.
There is alot of Scottish ancestry and culture on the east coast of Canada. The province of Nova Scotia literally translates to "New Scotland". I'm not 100% sure, but i would imagine the Highlanders they mention in this video would be from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Some of them were. The CBH were in the 5th CDN Armoured Div and took part in the Italian campaign before the 1st Cdn Corps was sent to rejoin the 2nd Corps in the 1st CDN Army. The 1st CDN Army also had units from other allied countries: the UK and USA as well as if I remember correctly Czechoslovakia, Poland, France and others.
I'm Canadian and whenever watching anything related to this my eyes start watering a bit. I don't know why, maybe Canadian pride or just the act of respect and kindness from the Dutch.
My grandparents came from Holland 5 years after the war ,the reason they chose Canada is because of the Canadian troops that freed there country they thought they where good people and they where right ,They came to give us a better life i will always remember that
The Scots were a HUGE chunk of immigrants to Canada. So much so there's literally a province named New Scotland: Nova Scotia... Canada also has an officially registered Tartan. Across the country there are Highlander regiments, my grandfather was a Cameron Highlander and landed on Juno Beach on 06/06/44. The pipes and drums are standard at nearly every military event and highland games are held in many places complete with haggis and caber tossing.
My grandfather fought in the liberation of Arnhem and returned in ‘95 for this incredible act of honour by the Dutch. Many of the returning vets stayed with the families they fought to free. I remember how touched he was by it all and reaffirmed his sacrifice was not in vain. Canada and Holland are forever friends. RIP Pvt Alexander Berriault. Lincoln and Welland Regiment
As a Canadian I am surprised this is the first you have heard of this!! Some of the most brutal fighting in Europe happened between the Canadians and Germans in Holland. My grandfather fought through there, the battle of the Schelt, Caen , etc! His first battle was the Dieppe raid!! He was with the ROYAL HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY, and in 1985 I joined that same unit out of respect for him and what Canada did during that war, punching above our weight as always!! ✊🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
We always need to stand up to tyranny. I am so proud of my country.
Stand up to Trudeau. What he did to your truckers is monstrously wrong.🇺🇸🇨🇦
I have been told, and believe, that Dutch school children each 'adopt' a Canadian war grave to tend and look after throughout the year. If true, I think that's something beautiful.
As a CANADIAN. This video brought proud tears to my eyes.
I believe there is only 1 surviving WW2 vet alive today.
WE MUST NEVER FORGET
I ❤ 🇨🇦
Me too!! 😢❤🇨🇦
My great uncle Forrest was part of the liberating army and now rests in a Dutch cemetery far from home. About ten years ago my grandmother got a call from a Dutch woman who has been taking care of his grave for decades asking if she had a picture of her brother to replace the old one that has been donning his grave since the war. My grandmother wept tears of gratitude and sent her a picture that had hung in our family home my whole life. My uncle helped liberate the Dutch but unfortunately he died in the lasts days of the war on the same day that Hitler committed suicide. I often stare at that ever present photo on the wall and wonder about the hero uncle that I will never ever meet and all the Christmas dinners and weddings and birthdays that we were deprived of sharing with him. I love you uncle Forrest and I love the Netherlands. Peace and love.
we as canadians should learn more of this connection outta be taught in school
My grandpa was a dutch canadian born in canada...
He did five tours of duty and recieved numerous medals...
He was in north africa, Italy, Holland, Germany, france on d day on juno beach..
He lost many brothers and cousins on juno beach...
He was the most honorable man i ever knew, and i have always been proid to call him grandfather.
Rest in peace GRANDPA. ❤
I am 42 years old, living in the Ottawa Valley. The shadow of our Canadian capital of Ottawa.. My mother's middle name is Gordon, after the uncle her parents lost in 1942. Ottawa celebrates the Tulip festival every year. I can't help but feeling proud of my uncle, every year when the tulip festival is on.
As a Canadian our relationship with the Netherlands makes me proud.
You should check out the one-eyed hero Leo Major, If you haven't already.
There are 16 Scottish regiments in the Canadian Army. More than that at the time.
I am Canadian. Born and raised. Very proud of our Canadian military and of my family members who fought, and some died in europe.
Unfortunately, in most Canadian school systems, they do not teach or remember our history of Canadians fighting in the wars. It is left up to families to pass on this history. The Canadian Legion also does a great job keeping our history of our heroes alive. It is a great honor to visit the Legion halls in different communities and small towns. You can see that some towns in Canada during the First World War, especially lost over half of a generation of men in a single days battle. You are a remarkable young Man. And I hope on your journey of discovery of Canadian military history, you can enlighten some of Canada's young people who have no idea of the contribution and sacrifice in Canada's history.
It's a moment of pride for the men and women who served our country and gratitude for the Dutch citizens for remembering them so fondly.
On behalf of my Dutch born parents, Thank you to the Canadians that liberated their country
They not only gave of themselves to fight off the Germans, but they gave of themselves to save and help the Dutch people in their time of need.
I was a professional firefighter or 30 years, at times risking my life in the service of my community. BUT WHAT THESE SOLDIERS DID IS SO BEYOND THAT. My admiration knows no bounds for them and their sacrifices. It is generally known in Canada of the Dutch peoples gratitude for the part of The Canadian soldiers in the liberation of the Netherlands. It humbles me.
without the Canadians my mother wouldn't have survived the hunger winter, and each time she visited me in Canada where I live now she landed with a big smile and tears in her eyes. Without the Canadians I wouldn't be born,
I was teary eyed watching this not because I'm Canadian it's because what being a Canadian stands for and the Canadian values. I'm not a born Canadian citizen, I came to Canada with my family many years ago as so many others but siblings and their families are. Having many immigrate to Canada a couple of generations ago gives you that feeling of being part of a country that values freedom and humanity. Sometimes I'm troubled by many Canadians who fall into the trap of turmoil in the United States political system because of our proximity. As many older generation Canadians growing up we are taught to be Canadian no matter what country we are from we keep our native land close but we keep Canada closer it is our home. Canada is not perfect but it strives to be at the forefront of humanity and civility on both sides of the political spectrum we may disagree but it's about the conversations we have that makes us Canadians.
Many US residents and citizens that were either born in the UK or of Scottish and English heritage came North to join the Canadian military to help protect the UK, as the US didn't declare war on Germany in WW1 till April 1917 and in WW2 till Dec 1941.
This gives me chills actually. I have been in Ottawa during the height of the tulips, it is so beautiful.