Christmas Eve In Holten, Netherlands

14 Replies to “Christmas Eve In Holten, Netherlands”

1. That the ultimate sacrifice of these Canadians is still recognized by the Dutch people is a stark reminder to present day Canadians of the abysmal failure that we have allowed to happen in this country. The flower of the greatest generation must be recoiling in their resting places when they realize that the would be leaders of their country today cannot distinguish the latter day terror that they paid the ultimate sacrifice for.

2. Antenor; it’s all spelled out in George Orwell’s book “1984”.

3. In 1965, when I was a kid hitch-hiking through western Europe, I passed through the Netherlands. When I overnighted in Nijmegen, (Netherlands) I was asked if I was a Yank. When I replied, no, I was Canadian, their response was overwhelming. They expressed to me their gratitude for the sacrifices made by my countrymen some two decades previous. Now, some 50 years on, it would appear that appreciation endures. A pity that the good works of those same men go unrecognized in their homeland.

4. Will the greens demand candles be banned claiming they add to climate change? Yeah the eco-freaks are that stupid to beleive this poppycock

5. Each generation passes down a legacy to the next.
   Those who remember and honour that build a political heritage that can last centuries or millennia.
   Athenian democracy was an experiment much derided at the time, but when citizens soldiers rose up to defend her when attacked by a professional army. The Athenians prevailed.
   The idea of government by the citizenry once proven, never died out.
   Even though the Athenian example was not a long lived one.
   The time approaches when Holland and much of Europe may need such assistance again.
   May these candles on the graves of Canadian soldiers burn forever and a day, and may our solidarity with Holland and the Dutch last as long.

6. My 21 year old Uncle is there.

7. Well said.
   Stalin’s children have done and are doing their work well in our country.
   My wife and I had a few uncles that helped to liberate the Netherlands and cam home. They are now gone where old soldiers go. My dad was not accepted for health reasons and my wife’s dad was too old.
   God bless the Dutch for continuing to remember. Merry Christmas to them.

8. canuck66;
   My mother’s 1st cousin was killed closed to Nijmegen and is buried in Holten. She said his loss took a lot out of the family. He lied about his age to join up, survived the Alaska campaign against the Japanese, survived D-Day but was killed in Holland in April, 1945. RIP Dennis. I never knew you but I will tell my grand children your story.

9. such assistance may not be forthcoming as we all are allowing the same enemy to set up camp in our backyards.

10. These heroic citizens of Canada gave the full measure to keep the light of civilization burning.
    Christmas and Remembrance are an appropriate juxtaposition.
    ‘In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness overcame it not’
    Merry Christmas.

11. Now that is touching.

12. I went on a tour to Holland in 2005 with a group(two busloads)mostly Maritimers including several Vets to observe the 60th year of the Dutch Liberation. It was astounding to see the Dutch children taking part. They must be taught all about the Canadian role in the Liberation of Holland in their schooling and it keeps the memory of those days alive.Our own kids these days are certainly not taught anything to that degree.

13. I didn’t think there were any Canadians in 1394. Must have been First Nations folks…
    In all seriousness though, they sacrificed a lot for the Dutch. I knew an elderly Dutchman that was forever grateful to Canada for the assistance.

14. May they all RIP