By Jaeden Demelo

Community

Dutch Canadian Tulip Commemoration Committee plant tulips ahead of 80th anniversary of Holland’s Liberation

Oct 19, 2024 | 3:34 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The Dutch Canadian Tulip Commemoration Committee gathered in front of City Hall on Saturday to prepare for the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.

Canada and Holland have an extremely strong connection, due to Canadian Soldiers involvement in Holland’s Liberation at the end of World War II. Over 7,600 Canadians died over their eight-month campaign fighting for Holland’s freedom and once they were successful, the first gift Holland sent Canada was 100,000 dutch tulip bulbs to show their appreciation.

“I’m very proud of my Dutch Canadian heritage. I’m very proud to work with this group of Dutch Canadians who live here in Prince George to continue a tradition where tulips are a sign of friendship between Holland and Canada,” said Shirley Bond, a Member of the Dutch Canadian Community on Saturday.

The liberation played a big role in the prevalent Dutch Canadian population we have today, as nearly 2,000 Dutch women married Canadian Soldiers after the war.

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“I remember my mother telling me so many times how grateful all the Dutch people were to see those soldiers coming into their communities and and basically rescuing them,” said Bond on Saturday.

Despite it nearly being three generations since Holland’s Liberation, the importance to continue honouring the monumental event is imperative.

“The message is clear. We never want to see the wars that we have dealt with and even today that we are dealing with, but it’s a fact of life. To always remember is a significant piece here,” said Coordinator of the Dutch Canadian Tulip Commemoration Committee, Johanna Jenkins.

The tulip bulbs planted on Saturday will bloom by spring and be ready for the 80th anniversary of Holland’s Liberation on May 5, 2025.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com