News Release

People of the Netherlands Remember Canadian Liberators

Ottawa – Today, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands unveiled a replica of The Man With Two Hats, a monument donated to Canada by the people of the Netherlands.

The original monument was unveiled in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, on May 2, 2000 to mark the 55th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and to serve as a lasting reminder of the role of Canadians in securing that freedom. The monument, which was sculpted by Dutch artist Henk Visch, is made of bronze and measures 4.6 metres. It symbolizes the historic bonds between Canada and the Netherlands.

"This monument is a symbol of the strong relationship that exists between Canada and the Netherlands," said the Honourable Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "A relationship that was forged in the worst possible circumstances, and that has endured for almost 60 years. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Princess Margriet and the people of the Netherlands for this gift, and encourage all Canadians to visit this monument and to take the time to appreciate all it symbolizes."

The monument is a mysterious figure which, from a distance, seems to be waving both hands with a hat in each one. Close up, the figure looks melancholic and evokes feelings of the joy of liberation subdued by the memory of the war's many victims.

Veterans and Canadian and Dutch youth participated in the ceremony, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Forces Honour Guard and Band. The ceremony was part of the 50th Canadian Tulip Festival, and was followed by the christening of a special tulip, the Canadian Liberator, dedicated to Canadian Veterans.

Other partners in the event were the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Department of National Defence, Canadian Heritage, the National Capital Commission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Ottawa Police, the Canadian Tulip Festival, and the Dutch Embassy.

For more information, and images of the monument, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site and media centre at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca