THE WAY IT WAS
To Live In Freedom . . . Te Leven In Vryheid By Andrea Grimes
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y the mid-1940s, Hitler’s ruthless jackboots had marched across much of Europe where country after neighbouring country collapsed under Germany’s tyranny. Undoubtedly, the fears and horrors of WWII had changed every Canadian in every aspect of their daily lives. However, no matter how many challenges landed on our doorsteps, Canadians were unanimously committed to victory . . . on all fronts! With a deep sense of pride resonating in his voice, our WWII Veteran recalls his decision to do the right thing. “I was just 18 — some of the lads from Windsor were 17 when they enlisted,” he states. “People tell us we are the heroes, but our heroes are still over there!” With the occupation of the Netherlands in 1944, the Dutch people suffered the horrific struggles of the “Hongerwinter” of 1944-45. As a means to thwart further retaliation by the Dutch Resistance, the Germans imposed restrictions on transportation, thereby limiting the provision of food, fuel and medicine. Due to severe food shortages and the most devastating winter in Europe’s history, thousands of Dutch families perished and those who managed to survive barely did so by eating tulip bulbs. As civilians were being relentlessly persecuted by the Nazis, the Dutch Resistance, through perseverance and resolve, successfully ran interference against the Germans — where danger was always present for many who risked their lives . . . “te leven in vryheid”.
Original members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch, 28 Pipes & Drums Band, circa 1945, are pictured. Photo courtesy of Tom Elliott, Pipe Major, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 Pipes & Drums Band.
Our Veteran recalls, “The landings were on. We hit the ground really hard. Were we afraid? Hell, yes! With a radio on my back, I was an easy target for the Germans.” In the early weeks of May 1945, the German army realized the tides of war were against them and on May 5, 1945 they surrendered their occupation of the Netherlands. On May 7, 1945 our Canadian lads and other Allied soldiers marched into Holland. In remembering that day, our Veteran comments: “We received such an emotional welcome. From their balconies grandmothers waved their aprons. Crowds of children rushed into the streets. From out of nowhere, women jumped into our Jeeps kissing almost every soldier they could find. We heard families singing the Dutch national anthem for the first time in four years in celebration of being liberated from the Nazis.” To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland — to experience the significance of rescue, liberation and
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freedom, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 Pipes & Drums Band (refer to: Facebook.com/groups/1448515248801393) had planned a trip to Holland in early May (now rescheduled to 2021 due to COVID-19) to honour the memory of our fallen. Pipe Major Tom Elliott says, “Our Band has the distinction of being the oldest continuously playing Legion pipe band in North America. During our tour, our Band will perform in the Canadian War Cemeteries of Vimy, Menin Gate, Tyne Coat, Passendale and Holten. The Band will billet with Dutch families where we will learn firsthand the central role that Canada played in the liberation of Holland. We will see daily how Dutch families are so grateful to Canada for the sacrifice our Veterans made to bring freedom to a grateful people. The warmth of this Dutch hospitality is always truly overwhelming!” Our Veterans, of all stripes, rallied to the colours knowing in their heart of hearts that preserving our democracy was worth the sacrifice. As the torch of remembrance is passed to another generation, we stand to honour the memory of our fallen — respecting our Veterans (who had the privilege to serve) for their unselfish commitment defending our Canadian values of democracy. To this very day, our Veterans own these thoughts. As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” and the “Governor General’s Medal” recognizing her volunteer service to Veterans and military families of our Canadian Armed Forces, as well as with military family service-support organizations to include, North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association. Writing for Biz X magazine since 2012, Andrea has brought our community closer to recognizing our Veterans for their military service and the sacrifices made to preserve our Canadian values of democracy.
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