Sorry for the lateness..thought I put it on already...thanks to Erica for setting me straight...so here is the latest news straight from Dave Robinson, the National Tour Leader...
VE EVENTS UPDATE(fr. Dave Robinson)
In the last week of November I was in the Netherlands for meetings with all the organizational groups for VE activities. My briefest summation is simply WOW!!!! This week I was in Ottawa for meetings with the Dutch Caucus, Veterans Affairs Canada and the P.M.O. I am pleased to report that everyone is pleased to be working directly with us. I will be returning to the Netherlands in January for more progress and organization meetings. And will be back in Ottawa a few more times as well.
Below you will find an update on each of our special events.
May 4: Candlelight CeremoniesAt this time, it would appear that our groups are going to be divided into 2 ceremonies.
Group 1 (from the VED tour) will participate at the ceremony taking place at the Canadian Commonwealth ceremony at Holten, where 1100 Canadians are buried. This ceremony will take place near mid-day and will be attended by dignitaries from Canada and the Netherlands. The groups that participate at this Remembrance Ceremony will then travel to another community for their evening “silent walk” with the citizens.
Group 2 (all other student tours) will travel to Groesbeek for an approximate arrival time of 6:00 pm. You will be met by the local organizing committee and the local townspeople. In a slow marching 30 minute “SILENT” parade through the countryside, you will walk to the Canadian Commonwealth cemetery, where 2400 Canadians are buried, for a Remembrance ceremony. Details of both Remembrance Ceremonies procedure and participation are for Group 1 and Group 2 are still being finalized and should be ready by February.
On this day you will wear your white shirt with the names of your soldiers below the logo.
May 5: Victory Parade in Wageningen This event is going to be incredible! The organizing committee is pulling out all the stops. I cannot wait for our next meeting in January to see the finalized plans. What I can tell you at this point is that they are expecting between 90,000 and 120,00 people to watch the parade. The whole day is covered by their national TV network. There will be an educational park set up with WW II military equipment and areas for the students to meet not only our Canadian vets but also vets from all the Allied forces in attendance. There will be an educational international “Peace Forum” taking place with some very special guests.
On this day you will wear your red shirt with names of your soldiers below the logo.
May 6 Holocaust CeremoniesThis event is our own special event. The members of the Amsterdam Jewish community have been working very closely with us to put together a moving ½ day of activities for us. On this day your group will be traveling from most locations by foot as they are all located within easy walking distance of less than 10 minutes. (The exception is Anne Frank House). You will be visiting: a 16th century Synagogue, the Jewish History Museum, Kinder House (a Jewish learning centre), Auschwitz Memorial, Holocaust memorial and the “Hidden Catholic Church”. There will be local guides provided by the Jewish community at all the Jewish sites to explain the significance.
May 7: Military Tattoo Another great day! 31 international Pipe Bands and counting have confirmed participation. Lots of dignitaries, including members of the Dutch Royal family at this evening’s performance. Everything should be finalized by end of January for scheduling. Our students and our flags are the opening act. If your group cannot attend on this day, there is still time to book a different show - and your group can parade your flag too - contact Mary Erskine at EF for details
For this event please wear your red tour jacket.
Other Memorial Opportunities for Increased Student Participation:
At each of the following sites, your teacher may choose hold its own memorial service to our nation’s fallen soldiers.
a) Juno Beach & Beny Sur Mer cemetery: Your ceremony could be either at the monument located at the Juno Beach Centre or at the Beny Sur Mer cemetery or both.
b) Vimy Ridge: you have a number of choices at Vimy Ridge. Your ceremony could be at the monument or at either of the two major cemeteries located here - CEMETERY # 2 or the Crater cemetery.
c) Beaumont Hamel: Once again, you have a number of choices : at the memorial or at the cemetery or at danger tree.
d) Menin Gate: 365 days a year, the people of Belgium hold a ceremony at dusk to honour those that gave their lives for their freedom. Your school can lay a wreath at this ceremony if you wish. You will need to bring a wreath(s) or flowers with you. I need to know the name on the wreath and the names of the 2 presenters by March 2nd 2010.
Talk to you next month
DRob
