Ceremony Today At Campbell River Cenotaph Marking Liberation Of Netherlands

A ceremony today in Campbell River will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

Veterans Affairs Canada is marking the anniversary and the end of the Second World War with local, national and international activities.

Canada’s role in the Liberation of the Netherlands, from the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, stands as one of its most recognized contributions during WW2, with nearly 175,000 Canadians involved in the effort.

On 5 May 1945, Canadians and Allied soldiers accepted the surrender of the remaining German forces in the Netherlands.

Two days later, German forces surrendered across Europe, and the next day, 8 May 1945, was declared V-E Day.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Campbell river Branch 137, will assemble at the legion parking lot at 5:45pm with a parade to the Cenotaph beginning at 6:10pm.

The route follows  Veterans Way, Cedar St., Alder St., 10th Ave, Shoppers Row, and Tyee Plaza to the Cenotaph.

The ceremony begins at 6:30pm.

On Sunday, Canadians and sailors from coast to coast to coast, including in Comox,  commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest of the Second World War.

It ensured that reinforcements and supplies made it to Europe, enabling the Allied victory.

Over 2,100 Canadian sailors, more than 1,700 merchant mariners, and over 900 aviators lost their lives.