Saturday, April 10, 2010
Reminder of Breakfast ont the 18th....
Unfortunately due to circumstances the breakfast had to be cancelled this week....the breakfast will be held next Sunday(18th) from 9-11:30 AM...and remember participation in this event is not optional....ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND....
Friday, April 9, 2010
Victory in Europe Tour: April Update Student Edition
From my recent trip to Holland and our on-going developments, here’s an up-to-date as of April 6th 2010.
ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE
1. There will be a “double decker blue EF Bus” at all our events in the Netherlands. This will be our
“VE Tour HQ”. Tell your students to look for it, if help and/or information is needed, (ie.: lost items can
be brought here for return.) From here, we can also quickly reunite groups.
2. Be sure that you and your family and friends sign up at our VE Tour Facebook Fan page. We will be
doing BLOG’s regularly during the tour and it’s a great place for everyone to keep connected. The fan
page can be accessed through our VE Tour website to sign-up.
3. When we are at Wageningen for the Liberation Day Parade we have arranged for “exclusive” use of a
computer lab and the wireless internet at the University that we are based at.
VE TOUR UNIFORMS
The Tour Uniforms are in are now in the process of being shipped.
EACH student will print the names of their ‘two adopted soldiers” on either two inch white adhesive
tape OR “white iron-on fabric tape” placed below the VE Tour logo on each polo shirt. (Note: when
using the iron-on tape, be sure to print the names after ironing so the ink does not bleed!)
Please check the February Memo to see ‘what to wear when’ in regard to the uniform.
POPPY CROSSES
If you have not done so already, you need to make your “poppy crosses” to lay at the cenotaphs you
are visiting. You probably should have one to place at a grave site for each of the Canadian
cemeteries your own group may be visiting: Beny sur mer; Vimy Ridge; Beaumont-Hamel; Holten;
Grosebeek, Bergen op zoom. Check your group’s itineraries to see which ones you are visiting. Your
teacher will have complete instructions on how to make these.
VE EVENTS UPDATE
It has been confirmed that our Prime Minister, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and other Canadian dignitaries will be in attendance. Plus a plethora of media. Due to this, there may some last minute changes to the event schedules to allow for security issues and other political allowances. Be assured, I will be keeping a close eye on the schedules.
Below I have listed a quick update on our VE Events. At each VE Event, there will EF staff in attendance to assist you and to provide instruction.
EVENT UPDATES
May 2 & 3 : Vimy Ridge with special access to tunnels (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VED,VEF)
May 2nd & 3rd : Menin Gate “Last Post Ceremony” (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VED, VEF)
May 4th : Holten Afternoon (Itineraries: VED)
- students to read Act of Commitment
- students to lay wreath on behalf of “Youth of Canada”
- “fly past”
May 4th: Apeldoorn Evening Itineraries: VED)
- participation in community “Walk of Silence”
- visit Het Loo Palce prior to “walk”
May 4th : Groesbeek (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VEF)
- central indoor dinner location confirmed for all in town community centre
- minister of VAC to march with our students and to assist in candle light ceremony.
- students to read Act of Commitment
- student to read “In Flanders Field”
- students to lay wreath on behalf of “Youth of Canada
May 5th : Wageningen (Itineraries: All Groups)
- our students are playing a major role throughout the day
- limited student involvement in Church ceremony
- limited school involvement in international Peace symposium debate
- Veteran/Student “speed linking taping from 500 veterans & students at University base site
- each school to have their school memorial Flag carried in parade
- each school to have one student to assist in carrying national flags in parade
- wireless internet access and computer lab access at our University base site
- central tent lunch area for 1500 at university base site
- specially arranged lunch for all at university base site. Lunch will be served by WW 2
re-enactors. Meal will be a self contained that heats itself. It is the type now being used by troops in Afghanistan.
May 6th: Holocaust (Itineraries: All Groups except VEL)
- everyone will visit Anne Frank House at some point
- dinner tonight to be a favourite for students
May 6th : Vimy Ridge with special access to tunnels (Itineraries: VEL)
May 7th : Voorthuizen Tattoo (Itineraries: VEA,VED,VEF)
- special exclusive “prime” seating for all our students
- each school to have their school memorial Fag carried in opening act
- each school to have one student to assist in carrying national flags in opening act
All info provided by Dave Robinson...
ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE
1. There will be a “double decker blue EF Bus” at all our events in the Netherlands. This will be our
“VE Tour HQ”. Tell your students to look for it, if help and/or information is needed, (ie.: lost items can
be brought here for return.) From here, we can also quickly reunite groups.
2. Be sure that you and your family and friends sign up at our VE Tour Facebook Fan page. We will be
doing BLOG’s regularly during the tour and it’s a great place for everyone to keep connected. The fan
page can be accessed through our VE Tour website to sign-up.
3. When we are at Wageningen for the Liberation Day Parade we have arranged for “exclusive” use of a
computer lab and the wireless internet at the University that we are based at.
VE TOUR UNIFORMS
The Tour Uniforms are in are now in the process of being shipped.
EACH student will print the names of their ‘two adopted soldiers” on either two inch white adhesive
tape OR “white iron-on fabric tape” placed below the VE Tour logo on each polo shirt. (Note: when
using the iron-on tape, be sure to print the names after ironing so the ink does not bleed!)
Please check the February Memo to see ‘what to wear when’ in regard to the uniform.
POPPY CROSSES
If you have not done so already, you need to make your “poppy crosses” to lay at the cenotaphs you
are visiting. You probably should have one to place at a grave site for each of the Canadian
cemeteries your own group may be visiting: Beny sur mer; Vimy Ridge; Beaumont-Hamel; Holten;
Grosebeek, Bergen op zoom. Check your group’s itineraries to see which ones you are visiting. Your
teacher will have complete instructions on how to make these.
VE EVENTS UPDATE
It has been confirmed that our Prime Minister, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and other Canadian dignitaries will be in attendance. Plus a plethora of media. Due to this, there may some last minute changes to the event schedules to allow for security issues and other political allowances. Be assured, I will be keeping a close eye on the schedules.
Below I have listed a quick update on our VE Events. At each VE Event, there will EF staff in attendance to assist you and to provide instruction.
EVENT UPDATES
May 2 & 3 : Vimy Ridge with special access to tunnels (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VED,VEF)
May 2nd & 3rd : Menin Gate “Last Post Ceremony” (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VED, VEF)
May 4th : Holten Afternoon (Itineraries: VED)
- students to read Act of Commitment
- students to lay wreath on behalf of “Youth of Canada”
- “fly past”
May 4th: Apeldoorn Evening Itineraries: VED)
- participation in community “Walk of Silence”
- visit Het Loo Palce prior to “walk”
May 4th : Groesbeek (Itineraries: VEA, VEB, VEF)
- central indoor dinner location confirmed for all in town community centre
- minister of VAC to march with our students and to assist in candle light ceremony.
- students to read Act of Commitment
- student to read “In Flanders Field”
- students to lay wreath on behalf of “Youth of Canada
May 5th : Wageningen (Itineraries: All Groups)
- our students are playing a major role throughout the day
- limited student involvement in Church ceremony
- limited school involvement in international Peace symposium debate
- Veteran/Student “speed linking taping from 500 veterans & students at University base site
- each school to have their school memorial Flag carried in parade
- each school to have one student to assist in carrying national flags in parade
- wireless internet access and computer lab access at our University base site
- central tent lunch area for 1500 at university base site
- specially arranged lunch for all at university base site. Lunch will be served by WW 2
re-enactors. Meal will be a self contained that heats itself. It is the type now being used by troops in Afghanistan.
May 6th: Holocaust (Itineraries: All Groups except VEL)
- everyone will visit Anne Frank House at some point
- dinner tonight to be a favourite for students
May 6th : Vimy Ridge with special access to tunnels (Itineraries: VEL)
May 7th : Voorthuizen Tattoo (Itineraries: VEA,VED,VEF)
- special exclusive “prime” seating for all our students
- each school to have their school memorial Fag carried in opening act
- each school to have one student to assist in carrying national flags in opening act
All info provided by Dave Robinson...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
VE Tour Hotel Information
From To Name/ Address City Telephone
5/2/2010 Ibis Lille Tourcoing Centre Vimy (+33)3/20248458
5/3/2010
5/4/2010 Hof Van Wageningen Amsterdam Region +31 317 490 133
5/9/2010 Lawickse Allee 9
Wageningen 6701 AN
Netherlands
5/2/2010 Ibis Lille Tourcoing Centre Vimy (+33)3/20248458
5/3/2010
5/4/2010 Hof Van Wageningen Amsterdam Region +31 317 490 133
5/9/2010 Lawickse Allee 9
Wageningen 6701 AN
Netherlands
Friday, March 12, 2010
Flights for the trip have been arranged.....
Flight Itinerary For May 1/2010-May 10-2010
| Date | Time | City(Airport) | Flight / Transportation |
| Depart | |||
| 5/1/2010
| 11:15 AM
| Charlottetown
| Air Canada
|
| 5/1/2010
| 11:15 AM
| Charlottetown
| Air Canada
|
| 5/1/2010
| | Montreal
| Sightseeing Montreal |
| 5/1/2010
| 7:50 PM
| Montreal
| Air Canada
|
| Return | |||
| 5/9/2010
| 8:55 AM
| Amsterdam
| Lufthansa
|
| 5/9/2010
| 11:50 AM
| Munich
| Air Canada
|
| 5/9/2010
| | Toronto (Pearson), ON
| Overnight Toronto (Pearson), ON |
| 5/10/2010
| 8:25 AM
| Toronto (Pearson), ON
| Air Canada
|
Victory in Europe Tour
V.E. 65 TOUR UPDATES |
PASSPORTS: You should have your PASSPORT NOW!!!
Hand in their passports to your teacher ASAP so they can photocopy for their files.
May 7: Military Tatoo
Another great day! International Pipe Bands from around the world. 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
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.
Talk to you next month
DRob
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
If you have yet to enroll.....
YOU HAVE ONLY 17 DAYS REMAINING UNTIL THE 99 DAY DEADLINE...SORRY FOR THE BAD NEWS..BUT ON A BRIGHTER NOTE ONLY 115 DAYS UNTIL TRAVEL TIME!!!!
December VE Tour Memo....
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...
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 Ceremonies
At 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 Ceremonies
This 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
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 Ceremonies
At 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 Ceremonies
This 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
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About Me
- David Chisholm
- Thanks for following "our" blog. I refer to it as "our" blog mainly because I only blog when we are traveling the world as a school group. Enjoy the ride because I know that we will!!!