Baker Street parade to commemorate the liberation of the Netherlands

Imagine if Nelson were taken over by another country: food would be in short supply, travelling would be restricted or impossible, and you would always be afraid.

If you or your family have ties the Netherlands, you will know what liberation means to the Dutch people. If you have travelled there any time, and you were known to be Canadian, you probably experienced the extreme gratitude they still feel towards Canadians. 

Seven thousand six hundred Canadians died in the eight-month, 1945 campaign toward liberation. They are buried in four Canadian War Memorial Cemeteries. The Dutch continue to remember by holding parades and tending to their graves. Canada and the Netherlands share a special bond. Holland was officially liberated on May 5, 1945 — 80 years ago.

Some of the young soldiers who fought in Holland, and other wars, are buried at the top of Falls Street at Nelson’s cemetery.

President Bill Haire of Nelson’s Royal Canadian Legion says, “Legions all across Canada will be celebrating the Liberation of the Netherlands to honour the young men and women who bravely fought, many  sacrificing their lives for the freedom of the people of the Netherlands. Members of Legion branches in our area will be participating in Nelson’s commemoration parade to pay homage to these brave souls.”

On Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m., on Nelson’s historic Baker Street, there will be a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary. The parade will proceed from Falls Street east to Hall Street. Participating in the parade will be the Royal Canadian Legion, the Nelson Air Cadets, and the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band along with pipers and drummers from other southern Interior pipe bands. The parade will stop in the 600 block of Baker and will conclude with a short program of remembrance.

“The Royal Canadian Air and Sea Cadets from Nelson are deeply honoured to take part in the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands parade,” says Captain Brittnee Wallin, Commanding Officer, 561 RCACS Nelson Osprey/Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. 

“This milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of preserving history so that we may learn from the past. Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. By participating in this event, our cadets not only gain a deeper appreciation for Canada’s military history but also embody the core values that guide the Cadet Program — loyalty, integrity, courage, inclusion, excellence, and accountability. Cadets embrace and embody these values, ensuring they carry forward the legacy of those who came before them.”

The Kelowna Pipe Band Society will be in the Netherlands, from April 24 to May 9, to honour Canada’s fallen. Joining them in the 80th anniversary celebrations will be a large contingent of pipers and drummers from other British Columbia pipe bands.

“In Nelson, pipers and drummers from across B.C.’s southern Interior will be joining the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band in the May 3 parade”, said Nelson pipe major David Hogg. “Awarded the ‘Freedom of the City’ in 2019, the Kootenay Kilties have been parading on Nelson’s Baker Street since 1919. We are delighted to be able to acknowledge this important event in Dutch and Canadian history here in Canada.”

This would be an excellent opportunity for the people of Nelson to show their pride in being Canadian. If you are of Dutch descent, you are especially welcome.