La forêt de la libération

Groningen a élevé un monument vivant à la mémoire des Canadiens qui ont participé à la libération des Pays-Bas, une forêt comptant près de 30 000 érables. Les Hollandais ont acheté des arbres qu'ils ont plantés en terrain boisé à l'endroit même où la résistance tenait ses activités pendant la guerre. Le dévoilement de la Forêt de la libération a eu lieu le 5 mai 1995.

Photos : Stichting Bevrijdingsbos.

The Men of Maple Leaf (les hommes de la feuille d'érable) est le titre d'un poème exposé dans l'ambassade du Canada aux Pays-Bas. Le poème est dédié à la mémoire des Canadiens qui ont libéré les Pays-Bas.

The Men of Maple Leaf

Bold they were, the combatants we knew
How deep our sympathy for them grew
South they came and fought their way
Memory engraved is that glorious day
Lives squandered, precious blood shed
Our want for freedom was finally met
There was scarely time to fraternize
The battle went on, at high a price
In the actions brave ones would fall
Facing their losses the men stood tall
It took three days to clear the town
Dislodging the enemy beyond our bounds
Stricken by panic some fled to the shore
Deserted or were scattered to the four
Many fighting wearied, surrendered fast
Our war torn hometown was freed at last
Smouldering ruins were marking the place
Where battering damaged her ancient face
Peace returned, the yoke of war was gone
Thanks to the Canadians, a tough task done
To commemorate them we dedicate a forest yet
Maple leaves fell for us, lest we forget.