May 4 - Dutch Remembrance Day

Day 4: Dutch Remembrance Day

   Today, we woke up a little later than intended, but still made it to breakfast by 8am. After a breakfast filled with chocolate sprinkles, and of course fruit, we loaded the buses for our first activity of the day. An hour later we arrived at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. There were over 600 soldiers and civilians buried on this site. All graves were marked whether the bodies were identified or not. There were also descriptions of age, rank, and religion. It was shocking to see how young some of the soldiers were (18-19 years old). Reading the messages some families left on the tombstones put the amount of loss in perspective. Each grave had been looked after by the Dutch despite the nationality of the soldiers. While walking around, there was silence due to the band members reflecting on why we came to represent Canada in such an important role.

   We then visited the Airborne museum where there was a mixture of displayed and hands on exhibits to educate visitors of the battle of Arnhem. We learnt a lot about the people living in the area at the time, and even got to (somewhat) experience it. One exhibit was a life-size depiction of what it was like in the town after the battle. Jamie got pretty scared because of the loud noises and fake army men with their guns. Riley managed to lead Jamie and Brenna(Flute section leader) out of the exhibit.  While waiting for our buses, everyone took pictures with the tank displayed outside by section and even the full band. However, you can’t tell we’re in front of the tank.

   After getting back to the Barracks, we changed into our uniforms and headed to the Cathedral in Apeldoorn. We lined the streets outside and followed the crowd to Orange Park where a ceremony was held to honour the fallen soldiers and Dutch civilians who lost their lives during the occupation and liberation. We loaded the buses and drove back to the Barracks, most of us falling asleep.

   It was amazing to get to experience the importance the Dutch put on their Remembrance Day. It was a privilege to be a part of this national holiday. We were proud to represent those in Canada as well as educating ourselves and becoming aware of how big the role of Canada was at the end of the war. We’ve had nothing but a warm reception from the Dutch and hope it carries on throughout the

by Jamie Thomblison and Riley Genier .

(It’s Riley’s first tour and she’s really excited.)