Dawn Of An Enduring Friendship

 On Victoria Day, I went into Commissioners Park at Dow's Lake for a visit to the tulips, with the photos meant specifically for a theme day later in the year. This meant facing the crowds, but also meant just enough shots for a single post. I decided to also photograph some interpretive plaques set up in the park at the same time, of the long friendship between the Netherlands and Canada, which finds its origins in the Second World War.

Canadian forces swept into the Netherlands starting in 1944 to free the country from Nazi Germany. Portions of the country were liberated by Christmas.

But much of it was still behind enemy lines, and a period called the Hunger Winter was the hardest point for many of the Dutch. Canadian soldiers took part in humanitarian efforts for the starving people.

As the spring of 1945 broke out, the great advance began, the ending of the war in Europe. Canadian soldiers made their way deeper into the Netherlands. It would end with the surrender of all German forces occupying the country.

The liberation of the country created the foundation of a lasting friendship between our countries that continues today.

Another panel series looks at those common bonds and shared experiences.