Students from East Northumberland Secondary School in Brighton travelled to Durham Region today as part of a ceremony to celebrate Victory in Europe which happened almost 65 years ago.
More than 300 students from 20 schools participated in a walk-a-thon to raise awareness and funds for their trip next spring to the Netherlands. Blackstock WW II Veteran Flying Officer Roy E. Carter was also remembered at the dedication of a park in his name. Carter, his protector, Jacoba Pulskens of Tilburg, Netherlands; and fellow airmen Jack Stewart Nott of Australia and Ronny Walker of England were recognized at today's ceremonies. These airmen were executed by the Gestapo and Jacoba Pulskens died in the gas chambers of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.
The Ambassador of the Netherlands Wim Geerts, veterans, local dignitaries, educators and students all contributed to make the day a memorable one.
Thousands of Canadian students are expected to travel to the Netherlands next spring for the giant celebration of the victory which included the liberation of the tiny occupied country.
The spring tour, led by retired Port Perry history teacher Dave Robinson, are part of an ongoing series to connect today’s students in meaningful ways with Canadians’ roles in significant historical battles. More information about the Tour can be found at www.victoryineuropetour.ca.
Also on November 9, 2009, tour organizers hosted author, Mark Zuehlke, who provided a
lecture entitled, “Liberation of Holland.” Zuehlke is a best-selling military historian who discussed the First Canadian Army's campaign to liberate the Netherlands in the closing months of World War II. Even today, the Dutch remembrance of the sacrifice made by Canadians for their freedom remains strong.
Monday 9 November 2009
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Many countries have their own Victory day for the WWII. Not many WWII veterans are left. And even though young students didn’t participate in any events and only know about them from school books, it is really nice and refreshing to know that they care about these things.
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