In May last year, I took a trip to Dronten in Holland where my father took part in several remembrance services for those who gave their lives in the Second World War. The Dutch really celebrate their freedom, May 5th being their Liberation Day, which marks the day The Netherlands were freed from German occupation in 1945. It was quite emotional to be part of several ceremonies and festivals where people who fell, many nameless, were remembered and celebrated.
Unfortunately, we were unable to go to Holland again this year, but our friends sent us a link to a video of this year’s commemoration day in Dronten (4 May, 2009), which shows a fly past by one of the last two Lancaster bombers still flying.
So today – as we do on November 11th – I remember our heroes, and I’m proud to include my own father among them.
“We will remember them”
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Related
- We Will Remember Them – a UK site dedicated to servicemen and women who have gave their lives in defence of their nation.
- Remember The Fallen, Remember the Heroes: 1914-1918, 1939-1945 – a Facebook group to show the world that we still care and will always remember what our ancestors fought for!
