How Canada’s war veterans of world war 2 perceive themselves in Holland. According to them: “The Dutch people remember us and are grateful for what we have done for them.”
Myself I worked, lived and had a family in Holland for many years, also re-visited The Netherlands many times. Never noticed – even in recent years – that anybody in Holland even cares about Canada in that sense, as the Canadian 90-year old veterans see themselves.
Little anecdote, several years ago, published in our news papers: Canadian war veterans – decked out in medals, berets and full wartime regalia – travelling to Holland again for some reunions. Using the train. The conductor in that Dutch train asking for the tickets. Apparently the old guys had not paid enough fare. The Conductor requested them to pay up. One of the old timers complaining, mentioning what they were up to, (and should the Dutch not let them travel for free? in the back of his mind). NO, said the train conductor, “you pay what everyone else pays”.
Big outcry here in Canada about this incident. How dare they ??

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