By Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canada
The month of May represents Dutch Heritage Month in Ontario. It is particularly significant for the Dutch people beyond the provincial recognition, as it signifies a number of noteworthy days that are the foundation of the special relationship between Canada and the Netherlands. May 5th is recognized across Canada as Dutch Heritage Day.
May 1945 is the basis of the unique and special bond that Canada and the Netherlands have. Canadian troops played a pivotal role in the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. More than 7,600 Canadian soldiers paid the ultimate price in bringing freedom to the Netherlands. Canada also provided a safe haven to then Crown Princess Juliana and her 2 daughters during WWII. A third daughter, HRH Princess Margriet, was born on 19 January 1943 in the Civic Hospital in Ottawa. After WWII, Princes Juliana - who became Queen of the Netherlands in 1948 - donated tulips bulbs to Canada as a Thank You gift for welcoming her family during the war.
On the Dutch Remembrance Day (May 4th), the embassy visited Beechwood Cemetery to honour those who have fallen in the line of service. Deputy Head of Mission Jaap Jan Speelman and Defence Attaché LCol Ton Linssen laid a wreath at the National Military Cemetery Memorial and observed the traditional two minutes of silence, while the Dutch flag at the residence of the ambassador was at half-mast. This ceremony was at 2.00PM exactly, which was simultaneous with the commemorations in the Netherlands as an international show of solidarity.
On Dutch Liberation Day (May 5th), the embassy delivered tulips as a gift of gratitude to veterans living at the Rideau Perley long term care home. We also placed tulips at the graves of Dutch soldiers who died during training here in Canada throughout World War ll. This commemoration reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many, and ensures that we never forget how precious our freedom is.
The annual Canadian Tulip Festival opened on May 14th. This annual celebration of the Dutch Royal gift of tulips sees over 10,000 bulbs making their way into the capital for all Canadians to enjoy. While the entire festival was not operating this year, people could still walk through the gardens and enjoy the beauty of blooming tulips.
For this year, a special tulip has been developed, called ‘The Rembrandt, to mark the opening of “Rembrandt: Creativity and Competition” at the National Gallery of Canada. Unfortunately, the opening of the exhibit had to be delayed due to the ongoing lockdown in Ontario. At the time of writing, lockdown measures were still in effect and the exact opening date is unclear. Both His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as well as the office of the Governor General are patrons of the exhibit, which shows some of the Dutch master’s finest works here in Canada. This is the first time Rembrandt has been featured at the National Gallery, and the first time since 1969 that his work has been shown in Canada. The exhibition will continue through the summer (provincial restrictions permitting) so hopefully you can visit and see these masterpieces.
These tributes to Dutch heritage throughout the month of May are important connections to our roots, but also remind us why it is important to never forget the sacrifices of both Dutch and Canadian people. The people of the Netherlands are still very grateful to Canada and their veterans for giving us back our freedom. We will never forget them. Thank you, Canada.
