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I am a
Dutch-Canadian and holder of both countries’ passports. This early May a lot of
attention was paid in both Canada
and the Netherlands to the
70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the German Nazi
regime. I remember the war and, especially, the liberation as they played out
in my northern Dutch village
of Lutjegast, but my
memory is that of a child born in 1938. Thus,
these are not adult memories, but they are nevertheless valid and vivid. Those
vivid memories are the reason for my interest in this anniversary as a
Dutchman.
For details I refer you to our—my wife’s and
mine—memoirs titled Every Square Inch—A
Missionary Memoir, volume 1, pp. 47-49. They can be accessed free of charge
on < www.SocialTheology.com > on the Boeriana page.
But I am also
strongly interested in this anniversary as a Canadian, for Canadian forces are
credited for their dominant role in defeating the Nazis in the Netherlands and
chasing them away. I remember the Canadian forces coming through and the joyful
elation they brought to my village. It was dancing two weeks straight. Canada as a
whole has always been remembered by the Dutch as their main liberator. But not
all participants in the drama danced, for many thousands of Canadian soldiers
paid the ultimate price and never made it home. Every year the Dutch send
something like 50,000 tulip bulbs for a memorial garden in Ottawa as a token of gratitude. The Dutch
continue to have a special regard for Canada till today. This year, Prime
Minister Steven Harper himself participated in the festivities in the Netherlands.
It is for this
reason that I pass on to you a statement on the subject from the Prime
Minister:
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the anniversary
of the Red Friday Campaign launch in Canada
May 6, 2015
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the
following statement marking the ninth
anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign launch in Canada:
“Nine years ago, two patriots, Lisa Miller and
Karen Boire, launched the Red Friday Campaign in Canada with a rally on Parliament
Hill.
“They did so to encourage all Canadians to wear
red on Fridays to show support for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces,
who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the freedom, peace and
security of our country.
“That valour and dedication are still very much in
evidence today. The Canadian Armed Forces continue to play a vital role in
defending Canada
and in championing justice, freedom and security around the world. In the past
year this has included participation in the coalition against the so-called
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria,
helping to fight Ebola in West Africa, training Ukrainian forces to cope with
the military aggression of the Putin regime, and deploying elements of the
Disaster Assistance Response Team in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Nepal.
“As we count down towards the 150th
anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 2017, let us remember the many
chapters that the proud members of our military have written in blood, sweat and
tears in defence of our great country and our values. As we do so, let us never
forget the enormous sacrifices of their families.
“I would like to thank all citizens across our
great country who continue to wear red at schools and in their workplaces to
show their support for those who serve.
“I encourage all Canadians to continue this proud
tradition as a gesture of respect to honour those who defend our freedoms and
liberties with their lives.”
(From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)
And from me
personally: Thank you, Canada.
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