This month is a special one for those who commemorate Allied victory in the Second World War.
Thursday, May 7 marked the 75th anniversary of the Nazi surrender to Allied Forces in Europe.
Every year, May 8 is remembered as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, in the UK and Commonwealth countries such as Canada.
The Netherlands celebrates its national Liberation Day every year on May 5 to commemorate its liberation from the Nazis, thanks largely to Canadian troops.
Locally, a small group of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 members, keeping provincial government COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings of more than five people in mind, met outside the branch Tuesday, May 5 to mark the 75th anniversary of Liberation Day.
Among them was Legion member Rudy Timmerman, who was born in The Netherlands in 1940, having immigrated to Canada with his family in 1985.
As a fundraiser for the local Royal Canadian Legion branch, Timmerman and fellow members made and painted wooden tulips, painting the names of donors on each tulip, the group having exceeded its goal of $1,000 for ongoing branch expenses.
Timmerman runs a martial arts club which holds classes at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.
Timmerman has been involved in martial arts for 70 years, having taught martial arts for 50 of those years, running his own schools.
“I grew up in the Second World War in Holland, and our country was liberated by Canadians. This gave me a great affinity for Canada’s veterans, and I want to do whatever I can to show my appreciation, so 100 per cent of the membership dues we collect are donated to the Legion,” Timmerman told SooToday in 2019.
“Dutch people feel a deep and genuine gratitude to the fallen Allied soldiers who sacrificed so much,” Timmerman said.