BWG Proclaims Dutch Liberation Day 2024

Dutch Liberation Day

May 5, 2024

WHEREAS: In the Netherlands, Liberation Day - Bevrijdingsdag - is celebrated each year on May 5th to mark the end of the occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II; and

WHEREAS: In 1945 the nation was liberated largely by Canadian troops whereby the Canadian General Charles Foulkes and the German Commander-in-Chief Johannes Blaskowitz reached an agreement on the capitulation of German forces in the Netherlands; and

WHEREAS: 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, an annual gift of 20,000 tulip bulbs is given to Ottawa to grace our Nation’s Capital commemorating this international friendship; 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; and

WHEREAS: This commemoration celebrates the significant contributions that Dutch-Canadians have made to the growth and prosperity of our Province and our Community giving us all a chance to pause and reflect on our values and ideals of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That His Worship Mayor James Leduc and Members of Council proclaim May 5, 2024, as Dutch Liberation Day in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.