“I didn’t believe my eyes. These figures walking toward me. Not soldiers. They didn’t have military helmets with stripes. They had strange hats. I didn’t know what they were! Now I know: they were pompom hats and it was the Canadian Forces! I was 15 years old; I’d been in hiding from the Nazis for three years, in 21 different locations. 

I’ve traveled back to the Netherlands over the years, including to the concentration camp where my father was executed for being in the resistance. Canada liberated me, they saved my life. I’m happy to support the Canadian military, they are still fighting for freedom, and dying for freedom. They must be honoured.” — Harry Rozendaal, WW2 child survivor

This spring, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, True Patriot Love is leading a tour to follow in the footsteps of the courageous Canadian Forces.  

The “Hunger Winter” of 1944-45 was a terrible time for the Dutch people. Fuel supplies had run out and food supplies were cut off; many people were reduced to eating tulip bulbs just to survive. Thousands of Dutch men, women, and children perished of starvation and cold.  

By April 1945 the First Canadian Army helped liberate the Netherlands from German occupation and provided much-needed food and medical aid to the starving population. 

True Patriot Love is undertaking this journey to commemorate Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands, pay tribute to the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers, and to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the military community.  

“Supporting the military is personal. It was Canadian military troops who freed my father, a child survivor of the Holocaust. I love what True Patriot Love stands for. I want to give as much respect to our military; they are a truly important aspect of our lives. I am proud to support an organization that provides both physical and mental wellness support for members of the military, Veterans and their families.”  — Dr. Betty Rozendaal, ND