This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands in the Second World War.
Several events are taking place across Canada and in Europe to celebrate the anniversary, including Thank You Canada concerts throughout southern Ontario next month.
Featuring the award winning Soli Deo Gloria Male Choir from the Netherlands, as well as participation of the Musica Sacra Chorus, the tour includes a stop in Guelph on May 6 at 8pm at St. George’s Anglican Church at 99 Woolwich Street.
“Again, the Dutch community, both in Canada and in Holland, are commemorating [the liberation], ever thankful for the sacrifices made to bring freedom to a war-torn country,” said John Gansekoele of Fergus, who is helping to sell tickets for the Guelph concert.
Gansekoele was young but remembers the five years of German rule in the Netherlands during World War II.
“I went through the war as a little boy … but you never forget,” he said. “This is just another way to say thank you to Canada from the Dutch community.”
Tickets for the May 6 Guelph concert are $20 per person, $10 for students and $5 for those 14 and under. Tickets are available at the door, by emailing john_vdl@hotmail.com or by contacting Gansekoele at 226-383-1600.
Soli Deo Gloria will make a donation from proceeds to Word and Deed, which helps those in developing countries.
