457. Thank You Canada – Dutch Liberation Festival – 2015

Our thanks to Fein Verheij and Henny Groenendijk for telling us about this important event.

CANADA AND THE NETHERLANDS: TWO COUNTRIES-ONE SPIRIT 1945-2015

During the month of May, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and thank the Canadian Armed Forces for their contribution to the freedom of the Dutch people. Because of Canada’s invaluable role in liberation of the Netherlands, a close friendship between the two countries remains 70 years later. To show our appreciation and to honor the veterans who served during the Second World War, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Dutch-Canadian community organizations, presents the ‘Thank You Canada’ Dutch Liberation Festival on Saturday May 2nd in Toronto.

At 12pm our parade with 300 participants including veterans, military band, war brides and military vehicles will depart from Moss Park Armoury, (130 Queen Street East) and will ride north on Jarvis Street, then west on College Street to south on Yonge Street, west on Queen Street and into Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall. Do you want to see an authentic Sherman tank ride past Dundas Square? Come and watch the parade! The elements of the parade include: WWll Jeeps, WWII Dodge vehicle, A Sherman Tank (Oshawa War Museum), M8 Greyhound (Oshawa War Museum), Bren gun Carrier Limber gunners, Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans, War Brides, Cobourg Legion Pipes & Drums (20 men), Military pipe band (30 men), Military honour guard (50 men), Toronto Police horses, The Corps of Commissionaires: an officer, a 3-person flag party and approx. 6 marchers, TTC Honour Guard , HMCS YORK Marching Band 25 personnel and Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) YORK will have a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)

At 2:00 pm, the Opening Ceremony will kick off the festivities at Nathan Phillips Square by raising the Dutch flag. Several bands will provide musical entertainment on the main stage, such as the Toronto All Star Big Band, the Weston Silver Band and the déVah Quartet. Several Dutch activities will also being organized in and around the square; you can purchase Dutch goods at the Dutch market or play some old-fashioned Dutch games at the kid’s zone. We also have a beer garden with a terrace so you can enjoy the festival while having a brew. The festival will take place until 6:00 pm

Come celebrate with the Dutch and don’t forget to wear orange!

CONTACT INFORMATION and UPDATES

Contact: Wendy Limbertie, Thank you Canada, Producer, wlimbertie@rogers.com 416-986-5310
Website: www.thankyoucanada.nl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thankyoucanada
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dutchliberation