The Town of Petawawa held a special parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Commemoration of the Liberation of Leeuwarden. Around 75-100 soldiers participated in the parade which was located in the Kinhut Parking Lot in Petawawa.
Among the special guests, Mayor of Leeuwarden, Sybrand Buma came all the way from the Netherlands to participate, MGen Stephen Cadden (honorary colonel of the RCD, Heather McVety (Don White’s Daughter), Holly White (Don White’s Daughter), Steve White (Don White’s son) were also present. Don White was the last surviving Dragoon who liberated Leeuwarden, he passed away in 2023. Col. Mark de Wit Dutch Defence
Attache, Mr. Paul van Oostveen Deputy Head of Mission for Netherlands participated as well as Ms. Wendy Sewell, Assistant Defence Attache and Garrison Petawawa Commander Col. Guiney.
Mayor Gary Serviss took the stand to welcome everyone, he mentioned that they invited over 200 local school students who had recently learned about the liberation in class and challenged them with this statement.
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This marked the first time the parade has been held off base in the town. As part of the opening efforts to twin the two cities, Mayor Serviss will travel to Leeuwarden in May for Dutch liberation ceremonies, he also honoured Mayor Buma with a plaque that symbolizes the connection between the two towns.
Mayor Buma expressed his appreciation for the soldiers who came in to Leeuwarden and liberated his people. He explains that it is up to the next generation to carry on with remembering and honouring those men and women.
Audio PlayerMGen Stephen Cadden took the stand to remind everyone why April 15th is an important day to remember and honour.
Audio PlayerThis commemoration highlighted the strong historical ties between Canada and the Netherlands and celebrates the bravery and sacrifices made during the liberation efforts 80 years ago.
(Written by: Emma Butler)