For most members of today’s generations, May 8th is an unremarkable day.
But for those who bore witness to the horrors of the Second World War, May 8th holds a special reverence. May 8th is remembered as the day when 6 long years of war came to a close. Years of hardship, loss, suffering, and self-sacrifice were in the past - but they would never be forgotten.
Each year, Canadians pause in solemn reflection to honour those who have fought and died in the defence of liberty. But rarely do Canadians acknowledge the reverence and deep respect held for our Armed Forces around the world.
May 5th is celebrated as Liberation Day in the Netherlands. Festivals, concerts, and the like are held, in the words of Holland’s government, “to realize how lucky you are to live in a country where people live in freedom”.
