16 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2019 In the spring of 2020, trav- ellers from Scugog Township are invited to participate in a Northwest Europe battle- field tour that will focus upon the next big anniversary in Holland ... the much-antici- pated 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. It was primarily Canadians that brought about the Liber- ation of Holland, a monu- mental struggle of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of democracy and freedom. Canadians signed up from across our country, joining forces to sail across the Atlantic Ocean to liberate people they did not know. As many Dutch people of that generation will say “thank God they came.” Meanwhile, back in Canada, the Dutch Royal family found refuge in Ottawa, where Princess Margriet was born in 1943. The Dutch people have never forgotten. Each spring the Dutch government sends 100,000 tulips to Ottawa, a heartfelt gesture signalling an unbroken friendship. In May 2020, Canadians will travel to Holland to reflect, remember, and in particular to honour those who fell and are forever laid to rest in Dutch soil. Now, 75 years later, you will become part of this en- during connection between our two nations. It will be an experience of admiration and respect like no other - it will be a truly emotional journey. There is perhaps no better place to be a proud Canadian than Holland. This 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Neth- erlands is a dream trip for any Canadian Military his- tory buff who wants to expe- rience the powerful emotions brought forth by the military cemeteries in the Netherlands and stand arm in arm with the Dutch in celebration of our shared history on their National Liberation Day. This Anniversary Tour to Austria, Germany and the Netherlands, which commemorates the Liberation of the Netherlands, promises to be a memorable occasion in many ways. With the number of WWII veterans decreas- ing rapidly, it may be one of the last times we are able to share their heroic experiences in the exact places that wit- nessed their bravery. You will walk in their shoes stirred by the memories of these young men who gave their lives to free a nation. You will visit the town squares, woods and fields where our Canadian soldiers fought so bravely. We will honour and pay tribute to our fallen heroes at the Groesbeek Cemetery. Join us for an information meeting on Tuesday February 5th at 7pm, Prince Albert Hall, 19 Jeffrey St., Prince Albert. This tour is open to students accompanied by an adult. For info email: netherlands2020@gmail.com Facebook-Netherlands 2020 Tour TheCanadianLiberationoftheNetherlands•March23- May5,1945 Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria Olympic Site: Golden Roof, Innsbruck Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Arnhem TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Salzburg: Sound of Music tour, Hellbrunn Castle visit, Mozart’s birthplace, Eagle’s Nest excursion Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau Munich: city tour, Dachau Concentration Camp, Hofbrauhaus dinner, BMW HQ visit, Olympic site, Glockenspiel Innsbruck: Olympic site, Golden Roof Heidelberg: Sightseeing, Marktplatz, Heidelberg Castle Arnhem: Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, National Liberation Museum Amsterdam: Remembrance Day Ceremony in Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Volendam & Marken