John Gansekoele has lived in Canada for over 50 years – but has never forgotten his Dutch roots.
Each May he enjoys flying the Dutch flag at his Fergus home to honour the sacrifices made by Canadians during the liberation of Holland in World War II.
“I think it’s kind of a token of remembrance and appreciation for what Canada did for Holland,” Gansekoele said of his annual tradition. “[That feeling] will always be with me.”
He was just four years old and too young to remember the initial Nazi attack on the Netherlands in May 1940, but Gansekoele does have many memories of the subsequent five years of German rule.
His family lived in a rural community in the municipality of Staphorst, in the province of Overijssel, in the eastern Netherlands. He said it is very difficult to describe what it was like to live in occupied Holland – especially during the most difficult times, like “the hunger winter” of 1944-45.
Gansekoele noted it must have been a difficult decision for anyone wanting to join the Dutch resistance, because getting caught meant certain death. The horrible experience of living through the Nazi occupation, left the family with a profound appreciation for living in a free country.
In 1951, when he was 15, Gansekoele came to Canada with his parents, sister and brother.
And every year since their arrival, Gansekoele makes sure to recognize Liberation Day, which is celebrated in the Netherlands on May 5.
He said he is always respectful with his own recognition, ensuring the Dutch flag is flown below the Canadian flag.
“This is our country,” he said of Canada. “But it doesn’t mean we forget what happened [in Holland].”
