The Man with Two Hats
This surprisingly whimsical tribute in Apeldoorn is a bronze sculpture
raising two chapeaus: one symbolizing the Netherlands, the other
Canada, which helped liberate the Dutch from German occupation.
RemembeR:
NETHERLANDS
The Second World War called upon Canadians
to once again take up the cause for freedom and
help liberate our Dutch allies
Groesbeek Canadian
War Cemetery
Thousands of Canadian troops
died on German battlefields in
WWII. Many were transported to
this Dutch cemetery during and
after the war—more than 2,300
Canadians are interred here.
Liberation Forest
Near the town of Groningen,
this living monument to
Canadian liberators contains
some 30,000 maple trees. They
were planted in 1995, the 50th
anniversary of the town’s libera-
tion from Nazi occupation.
40
summer 2017
AMA InsIder
A pop of red at the Bruges stadhuis
Perfectly European in many ways,
Belgium’s cities boast their own
distinct histories, architecture and
cultures, from bustling Brussels to
the quirky town of Ghent. I make my
way from Ypres to Bruges, one of the
best-preserved medieval cities in the
world. Though it was occupied by the
Germans during the war, it emerged
largely unscathed by bombings and
battles. (It was again occupied three
decades later during World War II, and
ultimately liberated by Canadians.)
Exploring the canal-lined streets
of Bruges makes me feel like I’ve
stepped into a fairy tale: Cobblestone
lanes are dotted with bright rows of
bicycles; horse-drawn carriages trans-
port delighted tourists; boats sail past
droves of swans.
On one foggy evening, misty lamp-
posts cast an air of magic and mystery
hArrIS
and he passionately explains his own
Canadian connections. People are
genuinely overjoyed that a Canadian
has come to pay her respects. No
matter how many years pass, it seems
Canadians are welcomed with open
arms and hearts.
This bond isn’t surprising: The more
I come to appreciate Belgian culture,
the more I’m reminded of home.
Meeting locals who are peaceful, polite
and full of pride truly feels like being
back in Canada. Belgians’ pride is not
loud and boisterous, shouted from
the rooftops. Rather, it’s a subtle joy
expressed when given the opportunity
to showcase their land and offerings.
And there is a lot to enjoy here today.