No105_Archie Posted May 9, 2005 Report Share Posted May 9, 2005 I just watched a segment on CBC about a VE Day parade for Canadian vets in Appledorn Holland. These men liberated the town some 60 years ago and came back. A few had never been overseas since the war. It was cold, raining and hailing but the streets were JAMMED with Dutch people, most of whom were not even born in 1945. There were there to thank these men for their sacrifice. The news crew interviewed a few of the young people and they all KNEW that they were prosperous and free because of these men. There were flowers , kisses, songs and cheers. Those vets who could march did, others pushed their mates in wheelchairs, still others rode in vintage WW 2 trucks and jeeps. They were smiling and happy even though they were soaked with rain. The vets had agreed with the town that this would be the LAST big parade. There are too few of them left and they can’t make the trip anymore. The Dutch people had huge signs and sang about how they would NEVER forget. I don’t have the words to express how it made me feel. These old men, not one under 80, marching in the pouring rain, smiling and waving, knowing they would NEVER do this again, and the HUGE crowds of Dutch people showering them with gratitude and love. There were tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. I know its mothers day in most of North America but I doubt there will be one parade on VE Day, VJ Day, Memorial Day, Remembrance Day or any other day on this continent when the streets will be so full of people there to thank the vets that the parade has to stop. We HAVE forgotten what they did. God bless ‘em all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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