The Man with Two Hats

Unveiled on 11 May 2002, this monument pays tribute to the crucial role played by Canadian soldiers in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War.

The Ottawa Man with Two Hats monument is a replica of the statue found in the Dutch city of Apeldoorn named De man met de twee hoeden. The twin statues exemplify the strong ties between the Netherlands and Canada. The friendship that bonds the two countries grew during the Second World War, when Canadian soldiers played an important role in the Liberation of the Netherlands.

The bronze monument, a gift to Canada from the Netherlands, was created by Dutch artist Henk Visch. The 4.6 meter structure was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in Ottawa in May 2002. The Princess had also dedicated the original Apeldoorn statue two years earlier in May 2000, during the 55^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, in front of a large group of Canadian Veterans.

[plaque]

NETHERLANDS - CANADA
LIBERATION MONUMENT

THE MAN WITH TWO HATS

During the Second World War, Canadian soldiers played a crucial role in the liberation of the Netherlands. With the donation of this monument- an expression of joy and a celebration of freedom- the Netherlands pays a lasting tribute to Canada.

A statue identical to this one stands in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands. The twin monuments symbolically link Canada and the Netherlands; though separated by an ocean, the two countries will forever be close friends. Her Royal Highness Princess Magriet of the Netherlands unveiled the monument in Ottawa on May 11, 2002, and the other one in Apeldoorn on May 2, 2000.

Artist: Henk Visch

MONUMENT EN L’HONNEUR DE LA LIBERATION
DES PAYS-BAS PAR LE CANADA.

L’HOMME AUX DEUX CHAPEAUX

Durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, les soldats canadiens ont joué un rôle crucial dans la libération des Pays-Bas. Par le don de ce monument, les Pays-Bas ont voulu rendre un profond hommage au Canada.

Une statue identique à celle-ci a été érigée à Apeldoorn aux Pays-Bas, les deux œuvres reliant symboliquement le Canada et les Pays-Bas. Bien que séparés par un océan, ces pays resteront à jamais unis dans l’amitié. Son Altesse Royale la princesse Margriet des Pays-Bas a inauguré le monument d’Ottawa, le 11 mai 2002, et celui d’Apeldoorn, le 2 mai 2000.

Artiste : Henk Visch