THE Second World War won millions of lives and destroyed hope for millions of others, but it all ended 80 years ago, even if the effects lived.
Germany officially went on May 8, 1945, ending the war in Europe, although the Pacific Theater raged for several months.
Only a few days before the Germans’ dismissal, the last remains of the Nazi resistance to the Netherlands were finally defeated, allowing a complete release of the country for the first time in almost five years.
“Canadian soldiers made a huge impression on the Dutch in terms of smoke and their food and chocolate bars. You know, they were assailed when they entered the different cities,” said Henry Heinen, a Dutch Canadian born in Holland Nazi.
He says freedom is never free and, in fact, the price is always paid in blood.
“I mean to my children, my grandchildren and now even I am a great-grandfather, to make sure that we always appreciate what it means to be free.”
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Heinen says that war has moved his childhood away.
“The 10 years after the war were also bad enough to be rebuilt in Holland because the Nazis stole us completely blind,” he said.
David Martin, president of the Stewart general of the Canadian Royal Legion in Lethbridge, says that we must never forget what the greatest generation has sacrificed.
“Our freedom is the result of these ultimate events and sacrifices that many had endured,” said Martin.
However, even 80 years later, the Dutch have not forgotten what the Canadian troops did for them so long ago.
“I have never seen in my life as many Canadian flags displayed as in Apedoorn and everywhere in the (Netherlands). In addition, the alignments and flowers they throw to these veterinarians all the time was beyond belief, “said Heinen when he discussed a visit to his country of origin during a previous victory during the celebration of European Day.
Glenn Miller, a retirement adjutant of the Canadian Armed Forces and current member of General Stewart’s branch, is in the Netherlands this year to participate in ceremonies and parades. He says time has not softened love and pride that Dutch Canada’s offer.
“Citizens are certainly very grateful to Canadians. I have been in several parades and the comments of the Canadians who participated, it is that they saw more Canadian flags along the parade tracks they saw in Canada,” said Miller.
He says that longtime love is because freedom means more for those who knew life without.
“For those who have been released, you will never forget your liberators.”
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