A long treasured dream is about to become reality. The 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums are going to Canada! In Canada of course, we have the roots of our band. A living monument, that honors the liberation of Apeldoorn and its surroundings. A liberation in which so many young Canadians lost their lives. A liberation where the Regiment of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, with their Pipes and Drums’’ of the same name, played a major role. The band also keeps the memory alive of the other allied soldiers who died in the struggle to liberate Europe from the Nazi regime.
The joy was great that 17th of April 1945 when Apeldoorn was liberated. The first signs of the liberation were for many like a dream. Or as an old inhabitant of Arnhem, evacuated during the war to Apeldoorn expressed it with tears in his eyes: “We jumped on the (till then) hidden bicycle and left the Loolaan heading for centre of Apeldoorn. The first thing we heard was the stirring music of the pipes and drums coming from the Marktplein. It went to straight to your core. Goose bumps. It was wonderful! For me, this music would for ever be connected with freedom and at the same time the fears and horrors we had endured.”
Interest in these commemorations is growing, in Canada as well. Ever since the last impressive march past in Apeldoorn in 2005 it seems that people in Canada are getting more aware of what was accomplished by their fellow citizens at that time. The Canadian press was very impressed by the honor that was shown. Crowded rows of people along the Loolaan. Many standing in the pouring rain to cheer the hundreds of visiting Veterans. With the music of the 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums, providing one of the highlights. Elderly veterans, filled with emotion, wanting to march with us in the ranks of our band. It was fantastic!
As band members, we are motivated by the ongoing need to commemorate, the growing commitment of today’s youth and the beautiful music. And now we go to Canada from 26th April to 7th May 2008. In Canada the band will most certainly perform for the Canadian Veterans. But we will also be visiting Toronto, where we will be playing on Holland’s “Queen’s Day” for the Netherlands Consulate; visit Ottawa, where we perform on Liberation Day ( 4th of May); and then on to the twin city of Apeldoorn – Burlington, where we will perform during the Canada- Netherlands Friendship Day. We will also be performing with the “48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums” In 1995 and 2000 this band came to The Netherlands, together with many veterans to honor their fallen comrades in Apeldoorn and its vicinity.
The 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums are an Association. The members perform voluntarily during commemorations. Our sponsors. the Municipality of Apeldoorn and the Prince Bernard Culture Fund makes this possible. As a result of extra donations a large part of the trip to Canada has been paid. Of course apart from travel costs there are many other expenses and therefore donations are always welcome. If you would like to contribute, our account numbers are "48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums"; 3195748 (PSTBNL21, IBAN; NL94PSTB0003195748) and 48.69 49 222 ( ABNANL2A, IBAN; NL90ABNA0486949222).Thank you.
Still commemorating? Yes, still commemorating. First of all to have young and old learn more about this tragic period from Europe’s past, preceded by the equally devastating First World War ( 1914- 1918 ).Secondly, because war and peace are subjects that will continue to demand our attention so long as mankind chooses to take up arms in an attempt to resolve international conflicts.
Every day, many die as a result of these conflicts, and being forgotten is the worst act the living can commit.
“We do remember”
Travel schedule
Saturday April 26
1.35 p.m. (local time) departure Amsterdam Airport
4.05 p.m. (local time) arrival Pearson Airport Toronto (Ontario)
Transport to the "Aldershot Arena Community Hall" in Burlington (Ont)
Sunday April 27
2.30 p.m. Performance in "Spencer Park"Burlington (Ont)
7.30 p.m. Performance at the Legion in Burlington (Ontario)
Monday April 28
Visit to the Niagara Falls and to Niagara on the Lake
Tuesday April 29
Visit to the Warplane Heritage Museum
7.30 p.m. Concert with the 48 Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums and Military Band
Social evening with the "Old Comrades Association"
Wednesday April 30
11.00 am Visit to the 48 Highlanders museum
5.30 pm Performance in honour of Dutch "Queen's Day"at the reception of the Netherlands Consul in Canada, Mr Johan Kramer.
Thursday May 1
12.00 (noon) Performance at the townhall in Burlington (Ontario)
Visit to "Crawford Lake" Indian reservation
Friday May 2
Travel to Ottawa
8.00 p.m. Highland Party with members of the Aircommand Pipes and Drums.
Saturday May 3
10.30 a.m. Visit and performance at Parliament Hill, Ottawa
12.30 p.m. Visit and performance at the Canadian War Museum
2.45 p.m. Performance at "Perley Rideau Range Veterans Home".
4.30 p.m. Performance at the Canadian Liberation Monument at Dow's Lake
(times may be subject to change)
Sunday May 4
11.00 a.m. Performance at a laying a wreath at "The National War Memorial"
by the Dutch Ambassador In Canada, Mr. Karel de Beer
12.00 (noon) Commemmoration Parade "Battle of the Atlantic"
The salute is taken by Michaëlle Jean, Govenor General and Commander in Chief of Canada
Travel back to Burlington (Ontario)
Monday May 5
11.00 a.m. Performance at the " Dutch Canadian Veterans Association"
7.00 p.m. Performance on the occasion of "Canada-Netherlands Friendship Day"
(at the Royal Botanical Gardens)
Tuesday May 6
5.50 p.m. Departure Pearson Airport Toronto
Wednesday May 7
7.00 a.m. (local time) Arrival Amsterdam Airport