Events

2 May 2025 – 15:00
Commemorative Ceremony at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery
Co-hosted by: Faces to Graves and the Government of Canada
Groesbeek, Netherlands

Faces to Graves and the Government of Canada will host a commemorative ceremony at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Memorial, honoring the 2,338 Canadian war dead buried there and the 100 Canadians listed among the fallen with no known grave.

3 May 2025 – 14:00
Apeldoorn Liberation Parade
Apeldoorn, Netherlands

The Government of Canada delegation will attend the Liberation Parade in Apeldoorn. The parade honors the Canadian and Allied soldiers who liberated the Netherlands from German occupation during the Second World War.

4 May 2025 – 11:00
Commemorative Ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery
Holten, Netherlands

The Government of Canada delegation will participate in the annual commemorative ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery to honor the 1,355 Canadians buried at the site. The ceremony will focus on gratitude, reflection, and remembrance.

Due to the expected turnout and limited space, registration is required. Please register here to receive a ticket via email (opens a new window to host organization. In Dutch only).

Note:

• Access to the cemetery is exclusive to the shuttle service; private vehicles and pedestrians are not permitted.
• A ticket is required to access the shuttle bus and the cemetery. A maximum of four tickets can be reserved per order.
• Tickets are assigned to specific time slots, which apply to the shuttle service. Once a time slot is booked, it cannot be altered.
• Please use your ticket to board the shuttle at the designated time.
• There are two boarding points depending on your mode of transportation.
• For those arriving by car:
  • Handelsweg 9, parking lot Vivera
• For those arriving by bicycle or public transport:
  • Station Holten
• If you have mobility challenges: Attendees should be aware that there is a 300-meter walk from the shuttle drop-off at Wullenbergweg to the cemetery seating area.
• For wheelchair users: It is advisable to reserve a wheelchair ticket to ensure a spot for your companion.

Media accreditation is required for all journalists, photographers, and videographers who wish to attend the event. Media can register here.

5 May 2025 – 10:30
Wageningen National Commemoration Capitulations 1945 and Liberation Parade
Wageningen, Netherlands

The Government of Canada delegation will take part in a commemorative ceremony at 5 Mei Square in Wageningen, the site of Germany's surrender in 1945. The event will be followed by the Liberation Parade with participation by Canadian Veterans.

6 May 2025 - 14:00
Boots of Remembrance – arrival ceremony
CIBC SQUARE
Toronto, Ontario

The Government of Canada will participate in a commemorative ceremony at CIBC SQUARE to welcome the Boots of Remembrance. Combat boots symbolize the service and sacrifice of Canadians who left their hometowns, boarded trains, and embarked from Halifax to fight in Europe. This year, as we commemorate 80 years since the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe, the boots will embark on a journey from Halifax to Toronto to symbolize the homecoming of Canadian soldiers and their return to family and community.

8 May 2025 - 09:30
Wreath-laying ceremony
Victory-Peace Monument, Coronation Park
Toronto, Ontario

The Government of Canada will commemorate the beginning of Victory in Europe Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at Victory-Peace Monument in Coronation Park.

8 May 2025 – 11:00
Wreath-laying ceremony, National War Memorial
Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada will commemorate the beginning of Victory in Europe Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.

8 May 2025 – 20:00
National commemorative ceremony, 80^th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe
Toronto, Ontario

A national commemorative ceremony for the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the Liberation of the Netherlands will take place at sunset. The commemoration will include the lighting of the CN Tower as a Beacon of Peace, a lantern-lighting ceremony, a symbolic presentation of the Boots of Remembrance, and additional poignant elements.

Visit our public Calendar of Events to find commemorative events that may be happening in your area.