Fort Frances resident Bert Oliver recently was recognized with an anniversary medal for his part in liberating Holland during the Second World War.
On the 55th anniversary of the liberation, the Netherlands commemorated the more than 7,600 Canadians who lost their lives during the war.
Soldiers and widows of deceased soldiers also can apply to receive a “Medal of Remembrance in relation to the liberation of Holland.”
“I received it only 57 years later,” joked Oliver, who served in Europe from July, 1942 to April, 1946. “I spent five Christmases over there.”
Oliver’s letter from Lt.-Col. Leo van den Heuvel, defence attaché for the Netherlands, read in part, “I am very pleased on behalf of my country to offer you this commemorative medal as a token of the appreciation and gratitude of the Dutch people for your wartime efforts.”
Oliver said Holland is awarding thousands of medals in appreciation of Canada’s role in its liberation.
Canada and Holland have enjoyed a very friendly relationship since the Second World War. In 1942, the Crown Princess of the Netherlands came to Canada as a haven from the war and gave birth to a daughter in Ottawa.
In honour of the liberation, the Dutch have donated 10,000 tulip bulbs to Canada annually since the war ended. For the 50th anniversary, they donated an additional 5,000.
For the 50th and 55th anniversaries, many Canadian veterans made a pilgrimage back to the Netherlands for ceremonies. Oliver has visited there twice since the war.