Canadians, Dutch remembers sacrifices made during World War II – Lethbridge
World War II claimed millions of lives and destroyed millions of hope, but it all ended 80 years ago, even if the effect continued.
Germany formally surrendered on May 8, 1945, ending the European war, although the Pacific Theater lasted for several months.
A few days before the Germans surrendered, the final remnants of the Dutch Nazi resistance were finally defeated, thus giving the country a complete liberation for the first time in nearly five years.
“The Dutch were impressed by the angles of the smoke, food and chocolate bars. You know, they were actually besieged when they were actually entering various towns,” said Henry Heinen, a Dutch Canadian who was born in Nazi-occupied Holland.
He said that freedom will never be free, and in fact, prices are always paid in blood.
“I want to tell my children, my grandchildren, and even now I am a great-grandfather to make sure we always appreciate the meaning of freedom.”
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Hein said the war left his childhood.
“The decade after the war was also bad, because the Nazis robbed us completely blind and rebuilt in the Netherlands,” he said.
David Martin, president of General Stewart branch of Lethbridge's Royal Canadian Region, said we must never forget the greatest generation's sacrifice.
“Our freedom is the result of these events and the ultimate sacrifices endured by many,” Martin said.
But even after 80 years, the Dutch have not forgotten what the Canadian forces have done for them a long time ago.
Hein said: “I have never seen a Canadian flag in my life that is displayed like Apeldoorn and the entire (Netherlands).
Glenn Miller, current member of General Stewart, attended ceremonies and parades in the Netherlands this year on a retirement warrant from the Canadian Armed Forces. Time has not eased the love and pride that the Dutch had provided, he said.
“Citizens are certainly very grateful to Canadians. I've attended several different parades and the comments from Canadians are that they see more Canadian flags on the parade route than they see in Canada.”
He said long-term love is because freedom means a lot to those who don’t have a life.
“For those who are liberated, you will never forget the liberator.”
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
