Royal Canadian Legion - Salute to Holland

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By Gordon Day
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Turner Valley, is putting its final touches on their preparation for its annual Salute to Holland. This annual event is to honour the great respect Holland has shown Canadians over the past years. Canadian troops liberated Holland when it was occupied by the Germans during World War II. Canada immediately responded by supplying food to the country that was left to starve as intended by the enemy during Holland's occupation. During the occupation, the Dutch survived by eating tulip bulbs. Canada even gave refuge to the Royal Family declaring that the grounds surrounding the hospital was Netherland territory so that the queen could give birth to the child that was to be the next heir to the throne on Dutch land.
The Dutch did whatever they could to assist and protect the Canadian Troops. Even the late actress, Audrey Hepburn, acted as a courier between the resistance and the Canadian Army. She was born Eta Van Heuson of Belgian aristocracy whose family moved to Holland presuming safety.
To honour this and the liberation, Holland sent tulips representing every Dutch citizen, born or unborn. Children are assigned a grave of a Canadian to care for, leaving the cemeteries of Canadian Troops immaculate and truly honoured and respected.
The Turner Valley Branch of the Legion has respected the honour and respect shown by the Dutch and have held a Salute to Holland annually.
This year, it will feature the Dutch Choir from Calgary, The Dutch Clog Dancers from Lethbridge and an authentic Dutch Market. Guest speakers will include The Consulate General, Irene Bakker, Willie de Witt and veterans who served in the Liberation.
Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix has been informed and an invitation has been forwarded to the Member of Parliament, Ted Menzies.
The Dutch Market will be open from 2:00pm to 8:00pm and the dinner and entertainment will begin at 5:30pm.
The event, which is to be held October 23rd, is open to the public and tickets are available at the Branch. Confirmation of attendance would be appreciated prior to the 16th of October.