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Jim Parks, a Canadian veteran, is preparing for a return trip to the Netherlands, marking 80 years since he contributed to the liberation of the country from German control during World War II.
Parks is expected to receive a heartfelt reception upon his arrival. Marco Kalmijn, a representative of the Canadian Liberators Foundation, expressed admiration for Parks, stating, “He’s still our hero,” and emphasizing the enduring gratitude from the Dutch people for his service.
Now 100 years old, Parks is among the many brave Canadians who fought against German forces in Europe. The Netherlands, however, holds a particularly deep appreciation for these heroes, as approximately 7,600 Canadians lost their lives fighting for their liberation.
In recognition of their sacrifices, numerous memorials and cemeteries can be found across the country, dedicated to Canadian soldiers. Each year, the Dutch send 20,000 tulips to Ottawa, and many streets in the Netherlands are named in honor of Canadian service members.
Even 80 years on, the people of the Netherlands actively seek new avenues to honor Parks and his comrades. “We must remember every day the precious freedom granted to us by Canadian soldiers,” Kalmijn remarked.
A Return to Historic Ground
On April 15, 1945, just weeks before Germany’s formal surrender, Parks’s unit, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, succeeded in liberating the city of Leeuwarden in Friesland from Axis forces. Parks, who enlisted at the young age of 15, played a key role in identifying and securing remaining German soldiers in the area.
Reflecting on that moment, Parks remembers an incident where he was asked to throw a grenade into a farmhouse believed to harbor enemy troops. He recounted, “I didn’t like the idea of doing that,” recalling the moment he opened the door to find a Dutch family inside. “They were so happy because here we are, the liberators,” he continues, expressing his relief at having spared them from harm.
Parks has visited the Netherlands approximately ten times since the war, and each visit is met with warmth and appreciation. “I’m very excited to go back because you’re always so welcome there,” he stated ahead of his upcoming trip.
Celebrating Canadian Contributions
On April 25, shortly after the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Leeuwarden, the local soccer club, SC Cambuur, plans to commemorate this significant event by sporting a specially designed jersey featuring Canadian symbols. The jerseys will include maple leaves and the emblem of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
In addition to the jerseys, the team will pay tribute by playing the anthem of the Royal Canadian Dragoons during the match. Ruben Sijtsma, a club spokesperson, emphasized the efforts to incorporate Canadian elements into the event, expressing that “every little touch will be in remembrance and honor” of the contributions made by Canadians.
This initiative originated from discussions among fans about how best to honor the legacy of the Canadian soldiers. Sijtsma fondly recalls his childhood experiences of observing Remembrance Day, initially unaware of the strong ties between Canada and his country. “We thought, ‘Hey, what can we do to tell the story and to also honor these guys,'” he shared, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the ongoing struggle for freedom.
The jerseys quickly garnered popularity, selling out within hours, prompting the club to consider producing more.
A Legacy Remembered
Parks has contributed a heartfelt narration for a project by the team that recounts the liberation of Leeuwarden and his experiences during the war. Sijtsma noted the emotional weight of using Parks’s narrative to convey the importance of remembrance.
WATCH | SC Cambuur honouring Canadians narrated by Jim Parks:
Kalmijn conveyed that in Friesland, Parks is a well-respected figure. His visit schedule is packed with events, including visits to the Afsluitdijk, a war museum, and various memorial sites dedicated to Canadian soldiers. He emphasized that as time progresses, the Dutch will continue to celebrate Parks and other Canadian liberators.
“He is one of the last surviving liberators of the Netherlands,” Kalmijn remarked. “In the Netherlands, he is honored in a meaningful way because we owe our freedom to him. He also represents the fallen comrades who are no longer with us.”
Source
www.cbc.ca