Questions and answers

Context

In 2025, we are marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the end of the Second World Warwith local, national and international activities.

Canada’s role in the Liberation of the Netherlands, from the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, stands as one of its most recognized contributions during the Second World War, with nearly 175,000 Canadians involved in the effort. On 5 May 1945, Canadians and Allied soldiers accepted the surrender of the remaining German forces in the Netherlands. Two days later, German forces surrendered across Europe, and the next day, 8 May 1945, was declared V-E Day.

From 1-7 May 2025, an official Government of Canada delegation will travel to the Netherlands to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Events will also be held in Canada to commemorate this important anniversary.

General

Q1. What has the Government of Canada planned to mark the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day?

This year, activities include commemorative ceremonies and events in towns and cities across Canada, and throughout the Netherlands. Veterans Affairs Canada is also offering free learning materials and web-based stories and information to engage Canadians in learning about Canada’s role in the Liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day.

Q2. What events are being planned in Canada?

An official Government of Canada delegation will attend domestic events marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day in Toronto.

For information on these and other commemorative events near you, or to add your community event, please visit our webpage.

Q3. What events are being planned overseas?

From 1-5 May 2025, an official Government of Canada delegation will participate in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

The Government of Canada will co-host a commemorative ceremony at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery on May 2. The delegation will attend a number of other events, including the Liberation Parade in Apeldoorn on May 3, a commemorative ceremony at Holten Canadian War Cemetery on May 4 and the Liberation Parade at Wageningen 5 Mei Square on May 5.

For more information on overseas events commemorating the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, including information on how media can register for events overseas, please visit our webpage.

Q4. What organizations is Veterans Affairs Canada working with to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands?

Veterans Affairs Canada is planning and delivering commemorative services with support from the Canadian Armed Forces, Global Affairs Canada, Dutch organizations and other partners both domestically and internationally.

Many other organizations are also planning events to mark this special commemoration. Community Events Calendar for more details.

Q5. How can I get involved in my community?

Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to supporting events across the country to mark this important milestone. Through the Commemorative Partnership Program, the Department offers funding to not-for-profit groups and organizations for initiatives that recognize Canadian Veterans and those who died in service. For more information about commemorative funding programs, including program guidelines and application forms, please visit our Community Engagement page.

If you are planning an event in your community, you are encouraged to add it to our Community Events Calendar.

Q6. Can I lay a wreath/flowers at commemorative events?

The public will be invited to lay their own wreaths at the end of ceremonies. Please note that some restriction may apply. Please consult the website for additional details.

Q7. When do I wear my medals?

Medals are usually worn to parades and commemorative events and ceremonies. It is appropriate to wear your medals to commemorative events being hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada. For information on the wearing of medals at other events and ceremonies, please visit The Governor General of Canada website.

Overseas Delegation

Q8. Will the Government of Canada send an official delegation to the Netherlands?

Yes. The Government of Canada is sending an official delegation to take part in ceremonies and events marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, from 1-7 May 2025.

Q9. Who are the members of the official Government of Canada delegation travelling overseas?

The Government of Canada will be represented by approximately 120 individuals, including Second World War Veterans, representatives of Veteran organizations, Veterans Affairs Canada officials and a Canadian Armed Forces contingent.

Q10. How did Veterans Affairs Canada select the Veterans in the delegation?

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) reached out to Second World War Veterans who had previously travelled on other commemorative delegations to seek their interest. We also conducted a callout on social media, issued a public service announcement to media, and reached out to long term care facilities, Veterans organizations, Regimental associations and Indigenous organizations to ensure that any potential Veteran was identified and contacted. Additionally, VAC is also responding directly to any Second World War Veterans who expressed interest directly or indirectly to VAC.

Q11. What criteria will be used to select Veterans for the delegation?

Preference will be given to Veterans who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War. However, names of all interested Second World War Veterans will be considered, provided they meet health and medical fitness requirements as approved by their personal physician and Veterans Affairs Canada’s medical team.

Q12. What measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of the Veterans during travel?

All Veterans participating in the delegation must have their health and medical fitness approved by their personal physician and Veterans Affairs Canada’s medical team. We will ensure Veterans requiring additional care receive necessary support during the trip.

Q13. How will youth be involved in the events?

Various travel and educational organizations will be hosting youth contingents in the Netherlands. Veterans Affairs Canada will also partner with local youth to participate in commemorative events in Toronto.

Q14. Can children and families of Veterans who have passed away participate in the delegation?

The call for interest is specifically for Second World War Veterans interested in joining the Government of Canada delegation to the Netherlands. However, you are encouraged to visit our webpage for information about the commemoration and additional commemorative events and activities that may be of interest. Details will be added as they are confirmed.

Registration

Q15. Will I need to pre-register to attend ceremonies in the Netherlands?

Registration is required for the public to attend the Commemorative Ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery on 4 May 2025.  Please register here to receive a ticket via email (In Dutch only).

Q16. Will I need to pre-register for any events in Canada?

No, registration is not required for the public events in Canada.

Privacy

Q17. Who will have access to the information I share?

The information collected, in accordance with Order-in-Council 1965-688, may be used by Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Embassy in the Netherlands and the Dutch authorities to determine admissibility. Information shared may include first name, last name, date of birth, place of birth and email address.

Q18. What happens to my personal information held by Veterans Affairs Canada after the event concludes?

Your information will be destroyed two years after the last administrative use of the information.

Q19. How can I find out more about the collection and disclosure of my personal information by Veterans Affairs Canada?

Please consult the Veterans Affairs Canada section of the Information about Programs and Information Holdings in the Personal Information Bank, Ceremonies and Events (VAC PPU 621).

Q20. I have concerns about Veterans Affairs Canada’s handling of my personal information, who can I contact?

If you have questions, comments, concerns or complaints about Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) handling of your personal information please contact VAC ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) Coordinator by email at atip-aiprp@veterans.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-566-8609. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by visiting their website at www.priv.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-800-282-1376

Travel assistance

Q21. Will Veterans Affairs Canada pay travel costs to the Netherlands for Veterans who decide not to travel as part of the official delegation?

No. While we recognize the importance and significance of these initiatives to the individuals and groups requesting assistance, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is not able to provide assistance for those outside of the official delegation.

Second World War Veterans interested in participating in these events are encouraged to make their interest known. VAC is hosting delegations both in-Canada and overseas, and we will work with interested Veterans to ensure they have the opportunity to participate.

Q22. Will Veterans Affairs Canada provide financial support to my group (e.g. school, youth tour group, band choir, bus tour) to travel to the Netherlands

No. While we recognize the importance and significance of these initiatives to the individuals and groups requesting assistance, Veterans Affairs Canada is not able to provide assistance for such requests.

Information travel

Q23. I am looking for assistance securing accommodations during my stay in the Netherlands. Can Veterans Affairs Canada help?

Veterans Affairs Canada is not in a position to secure accommodations for the general public in the Netherlands.

Q24. How should I prepare for travel to the Netherlands?

Before leaving Canada, Canadian travelers should visit Travel.gc.ca and consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories for the Netherlands. Travel.gc.ca includes updated travel advice on security, entry and exit requirements, travel health, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate and emergency contact information.

Canadians are also encouraged to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This service is free and allows the Government of Canada to notify Canadian citizens in case of an emergency outside Canada or a personal emergency in Canada while you’re away.

The service also allows government officials to contact registered Canadians with important information, including:

• preparing for an emergency (such as a natural disaster or civil unrest)
• what to do during an emergency
• significant or urgent changes to the Travel Advice and Advisories for the country for which you registered

Through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, Global Affairs Canada can also help your family or friends reach you in case of an emergency abroad.

We also recommend that you leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information for the places where you’ll be staying with a trustworthy person in Canada.

More information about what services the Government of Canada can and cannot provide to Canadians while they are outside Canada.

Q25. Who to contact in case of an emergency while outside Canada?

At any time, Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance, should contact the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands by phone at  31 (0) 70 311-1600 or contact the Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:

• Telephone: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
• Email: sos@international.gc.ca
• SMS: +1 613-686-3658
• WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
• Signal: +1 613-909-8087
• Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad

During large-scale emergencies, such as natural disasters and civil unrest, the Government of Canada may liaise with families back in Canada or try to put Canadians in touch with their families.

Q26. What do I do if I lose my passport while travelling in the Netherlands?

If your passport or travel document is lost or stolen, contact the Embassy of Canada in The Hague as soon as possible:

• by email at nl.consular@international.gc.ca
• leave a voicemail by calling 31 (0)70 311-1600
• A consular official will contact you to provide guidance on the right passport service for your situation
• You will be required to come to the embassy in person to apply for a temporary passport.
• Keep in mind that the processing time for a temporary passport ranges from 2 to 3 business days and depends on the complexity of your application.
• Learn more about the Netherlands travel advice.
• Learn more about lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged and found passports.

Please be aware: Thieves are very active on trains. They often strike while the train is at the station, so that they can escape quickly. There are regular cases of petty crime on international high-speed trains, including the Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam and London-Brussels-Amsterdam routes. Always be alert and cautious on trains.

Q27. Can I travel outside of Canada with my medals?

Yes. Both the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the US Transportation Security Administration permit military medals in both carry-on baggage and checked baggage. If you are unsure, please check with your airline.

Q28. Should I get individual travel medical insurance?

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) highly encourages travelers to get their own insurance. VAC is unable to assist or cover that expense.