WWII Veterans ask for financial support to fund trip to celebrations in Holland
Posted April 26, 2010 6:43 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canada’s Second World War Veterans’ are one step closer to attending a 65th anniversary celebration in Holland, Wednesday, to honour forces from Canada and other nations that helped to liberate the Netherlands back in 1945.
However, they are still in need of funds to cover the cost of insurance for the aging men, many of whom are in their 90s.
Currently, they are $15,000 short of their goal.
Fundraiser Randy Young told 680News those organizing the celebration in Holland did not predict the turn-out would be as large.
“The Dutch people weren’t going to do it again this year because they didn’t think any Veterans’ would be able to make it, but to their surprise, there’s probably a thousand Veterans’ coming.”
John Forbes is one of those veterans. The 86-year-old joined the war at 16 and said he helped to liberate the Netherlands.
“Anybody from Canada that goes to Holland for a vacation, they don’t have to be Veterans’. Anytime of the year, they have to make sure [they’re] wearing a Canadian flag, and [they] will be treated like royalty,” he explained.
Regardless of whether or not the $15,000 is raised, the Veterans’ will make the trip.
Those wishing to donate can visit the Friends of Veterans website.
