May 5, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. And it is clear that the Dutch people remain deeply grateful for the sacrifices that were made by our brave Canadian soldiers.
Pilgrimage to the Netherlands—April 29 to May 7
A Canadian delegation comprising 22 veterans—eight of whom reside at or have a connection to Ste. Anne’s Hospital—dignitaries, companions, and a medical team recently travelled to the Netherlands. While there, the group visited Canadian war cemeteries to honour the memory of some 7600 Canadians who gave their lives to end the German occupation. The delegation also participated in a commemorative parade that spanned several kilometres, with over 100 000 spectators lining the route!
Almost all of the Canadian veterans who were on this trip are centenarians. As such, a medical team was an essential part of the group. At the request of Veterans Affairs Canada, an experienced 12-person team from Ste. Anne’s Hospital (SAH) readily agreed to ensure the well-being of our veterans and the other members of the delegation. The team, which included physicians, nurses, beneficiary attendants, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and a respiratory therapist, was led by Dr. Geneviève Richer, chief medical officer at Ste. Anne’s Hospital, a facility of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.
Photo 1: An impressive crowd lined the parade route to pay tribute to these Canadian heroes. Shown in the photo is Howard McNamara, a former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot.
Photo 2: The eight veterans connected to Ste. Anne’s Hospital, before leaving for the Netherlands.
Photo 3: The Canadian delegation that participated in activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.
Photo 4: They visited two Canadian war cemeteries during the trip.
Photo 5: Over 175 000 Canadian soldiers took part in the operation to liberate the Netherlands. Of those, some 7 600 died in battle.
Photo 6: Russell Holleuffer, a veteran residing at SAH, kisses the hand of a child during a commemorative parade, under the watchful eye of Dr. John Machado, the former Director of Professional Services at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, who volunteered to assist the SAH medical team and acted as Mr. Holleuffer’s attendant.
Concert by the Orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Air Force—May 10
As part of their Liberation Tour Canada 2025, the Orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Air Force performed a magnificent concert for veterans and the community at Ste. Anne’s Hospital. Entitled It’s All About Freedom, the show paid tribute to Canadian soldiers. Some 40 musicians, joined by renowned singer Shirma Rouse, performed to a very appreciative audience.
In attendance were representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada and the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, including Isabelle Caron, Director of Accommodation Services.
We would like to thank the Québec Veterans Foundation for coordinating this event.
Photo 1: Second World War veteran Roger Blais enjoyed a chat with featured Dutch singer Shirma Rouse.
Photo 2: Some of those in attendance at the concert. From left to right: Lieutenant-Colonel Mark de Wit, Defence Attaché—Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Isabelle Caron, Director—Accommodation Services Directorate, CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal; Major Jasper Staps, Musical Director—Orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Air Force; Shirma Rouse, singer; unnamed representative with the Dutch delegation; Dr. Geneviève Richer, chief medical officer at SAH; Wendy Sewell, Assistant Defence Attaché—Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; June McCabe, Director—Québec Veterans Foundation.
Photo 3: Everyone in attendance clearly enjoyed the performance by Shirma Rouse.
Photo 4: Singer Shirma Rouse was impressed by the vocal talents of veteran Joseph Maxwell.
Photo 5: More than 40 Dutch musicians came to Canada as part of Liberation Tour Canada 2025.
Photo 6: In addition to the residents who attended the concert in the SAH Auditorium, other residents were able to enjoy the concert in their rooms thanks to a closed-circuit broadcast.