LIBERATION CELEBRATIONS

I had an invitation to attend the reopening of the Liberation Museum in Niewdorp, Holland, following major improvements and I also attended several memorial services.
I thought I should put up some photos to show how much the Dutch people think of and remember the Canadian soldiers who fell during the Battle of the Scheldt. Their gratitude seems as strong as the day they were liberated; it's quite emotional to hear them talk about it.
There were of course other forces involved, but the photos I've chosen were taken in Bergen Op Zoom, where the main celebration was predominantly in remembrance of the Canadian forces.

My folks were both born in Holland and grew up there during the war . They truly understand the sacrifices that were made by the Canadians especially but the other allied countries as well. Both still have vivid memories of those days.....my Mom still has a dress she made out of silk from a parachute.....it was one of the food parcel chutes that were dropped to help feed the starving populations living in the cities I still have a large tin container that my grandmother passed on to me that held Canadian crackers that were part of the food parcel drop.

I'd like to say what wonderful memories, but the conditions were appalling, people were starving, I hate to think what might have happened without the food drops. Even though they are not the best memories, they need to be remembered and not lost through time.

My only connection with Holland is as a result of my father having been involved in the Battle of the Scheldt. I have been over previously to the 70th celebration and of course to the 75th and for a holiday in between, my experience of the Dutch people is that they are so friendly and hospitable.

The most touching moment I have ever seen was when a Dutch baker in our neighbourhood asked my mother about her last name.
He asked if she had anyone that had served in Holland. She said yes and brought a old picture to show him.
Tears started to run down his cheeks and told my mom, Eddie was so good to me. He shared his food with me and my family.
She had never mentioned his name but he knew who he was from the old photo.
Sadly Eddie made it through the war but was never the same. He spent the rest of his life in a mental hospital.
Shellshock back in those days, PTSD now.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...bZMXJlsm-1.jpg