The Canadian Liberation of the Netherlands
May marks anniversary of Canadians’ liberation of the Netherlands
On May 5, 1945, Canadians liberated the Netherlands. This month marks a time to honour the sacrifices made by Canadians in the liberation of the Netherlands and celebrate the contributions generations of the Dutch have made — and continue to make — to this country.
May 5 marked the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Canadians played a central role in the liberation of the Dutch during the Second World War.
From the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, the First Canadian Army led the campaign to liberate the Dutch people from Nazi occupation.
Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers died in the nine months it took to liberate the Netherlands. Those who fought in the liberation of the Netherlands played a key role in the final push to end the war in Europe.
In addition to liberating the Netherlands, Canada provided refuge in Ottawa to Dutch Princess Juliana and her family during the war. After the war, in appreciation for the Canadian sanctuary, thousands of tulip bulbs were sent to Ottawa.
The gift of tulips has become an annual tradition. Every year the Dutch royal family and the Dutch people send 20,000 bulbs to Canada. Tulips remain an important symbol of the deep friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
Over one million Canadians of Dutch origin live in Canada, roughly three per cent of the Canadian population. In Wellington-Halton Hills, many can trace their roots back to the Netherlands.
Today, through people and trade, the ties that bind Canada and the Netherlands together are strong and enduring.
I have a personal place in my heart for the Canadian war veterans who liberated the Netherlands. Like so many in the local Dutch community, I too have Dutch roots.
My Dutch mother and her family lived through the Second World War and were liberated by Canadian soldiers.
We will never forget the sacrifice Canadians made to liberate my family and the Netherlands.
We will remember them.
