On May 5, 1945, the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi occupation by Canadian, British, American, Polish, Belgian, Dutch and Czechoslovak forces.
Eighty years later, residents of Prince George are reflecting on the heroism and bravery of both the Dutch people who endured occupation and the Canadian troops who helped free them.
The liberation ended five years of Nazi rule, following an agreement reached between Canadian First Army commander Charles Foulkes and German Col.-Gen. Johannes Blaskowitz on the surrender of German forces in the country.
On the steps of City Hall, Coun. Susan Scott — proclaimed acting mayor for the day — read a proclamation from the City of Prince George announcing that May 5 will henceforth be recognized as Dutch Liberation Day in the city.
“Twenty twenty-five marks the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands,” the proclamation read. “In gratitude for the involvement of Canadian troops, as well as in thanks for sheltering Queen Juliana and members of the royal family in Canada during the war years, and whereas the Liberation of the Netherlands allows Canadians and the Dutch to recall these historic events and celebrate the lasting bonds that were created between their countries. Now therefore, as acting mayor of the City of Prince George, I proclaim that May 5, 2025, be observed as Dutch Liberation Day in the City of Prince George.”
Following the proclamation, members of the local Dutch community raised the Dutch flag outside City Hall and sang both the Dutch and Canadian national anthems.
In attendance were members of city council, as well as former MLA Shirley Bond, who helped organize the event.
Bond told The Citizen why she chose to be involved.
“I think it's so important that we continue to remember,” she said. “That's really the issue, and for many of us, we want to make sure that the next generation continues to remember the sacrifice and service of Canadian soldiers.
“For us here in Prince George, we've been very lucky to be supported by the city, and by many organizations saying, ‘We want to gather.’ We're very, very thrilled to have the Dutch flag flying at City Hall.”
Bond also spoke about her family's experience during the occupation.
“World War II was extremely difficult for the Dutch, particularly the famine,” she said. “People forget that there was literally no food. My mother used to tell me about eating tulip broth soup. That's how they survived — on whatever they could find.
“Liberation Day was incredibly important, and that charge was led mostly by Canadian soldiers. So there's a deep, deep feeling of gratitude between the Dutch community and Canadians. Even after 80 years, Canadians are still pretty much revered in that country.”
Scott, who has personal ties to the Second World War, also spoke about its impact on her family.
“My parents both served in the Canadian Armed Forces,” she said. “My mother was, in fact, on duty on Parliament Hill when Queen Juliana and her family arrived for shelter. We've never forgotten.”
Scott also shared her thoughts on the contributions of the Dutch community in Prince George.
“They are a group of genuine and hard-working individuals who have contributed to this community for many decades,” she said. “There are a lot of Dutch roots that we may not even know about. I saw people today that I didn’t see last year — but it means something to them, and so we gather.”
On May 17, the city will also host a tulip ceremony at Veterans Plaza in honour of Dutch Liberation Day.
