When IOFF was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, its May 2020 Virtual Tour marked the Dutch Liberation’s 75th anniversary from afar in a two-week series of social media video posts filmed on-site in the Dutch villages in IOFF’s itinerary.
April 30 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 2, 2020
Keeping the flame of remembrance alive! Today we launch The Canadian Remembrance Torch May 2020 Virtual Tour and Torch’s new website!
May 1 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 1, 2020
Together, we share a moment of silence for the over 2500 Canadian soldiers buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery.
May 2 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 2, 2020
“We remember.” Standing beside The Liberation Stone in the small Dutch town of Megchelen, Liberation Committee Chairman, John Hendriksen, sends us this heartfelt message.
May 3 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 3, 2020
Welcome Canadians! Doetinchem’s flags were out in full force for what would have been IOFF’s visit today, halfway into our 60km walk in our fathers’ footsteps.
May 4 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 4, 2020
Dutch Remembrance Day. In the small Dutch town of Almen, Mrs. Pien Pon holds a private ceremony for the local civilians killed and the 40 Canadian soldiers temporarily buried there in April 1945, 75 years ago.
May 5 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 5, 2020
Today is May 5th and we celebrate our freedom and endless gratitude for our liberators on Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag in Dutch). This year there’ll be no festive events or festivals, but next year we’ll make up for sure, together with you!
May 6 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 6, 2020
The small Dutch village of Etten will always remember their saviours, The South Saskatchewan Regiment. A local citizen even printed out the SSR sign and put it on the window-pane to say thanks. We love it!
May 7 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 7, 2020
Congratulations Toon Helmes—recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion’s 75th Anniversary Liberation Medal for welcoming Canadians to the Netherlands over the past 30 years.
May 8 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 8, 2020
Let’s walk! Across farmers’ fields, past cows grazing in the pasture, along country roads to Wichmond (in the Dutch region of Gelderland) and the graves of 13 Canadian soldiers. There we find a very special Maple tree planted this week in honour of “In Our Fathers’ Footsteps.” A heartfelt dedication ceremony awaits us in May 2021!
May 9 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 9, 2020
Wave that flag! Apeldoorn’s new Liberation Flag (with the city’s Coat of Arms) honours its Canadian liberators and celebrates a very special bond.
May 10 – The Canadian Remembrance Torch’s May 2020 Virtual Tour
Updated: May 10, 2020
Homeward bound, back to Canada! Until next year—75+1—keep the flame of remembrance alive! See you in the Netherlands in May 2021!
