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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-05-12, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2005. The Liberation of Holland Couple’s memories pay tribute to Canadian soldiers Remembering Tinie and John Benjamins remember the Liberation of Holland 60 years ago as one of the most amazing times in their lives. (Bonnie Gropp photo) By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor “Never in my life has there been anything so free, so beautiful.” So speaks Time Benjamins of the arrival of Canadian soldiers in Holland at the end of the Second World War, ending a time of Nazi occupation in her country. Though barely more than a child at the end of the war, Tinie who was 13 and her husband John, then 14, have strong memories of that time and the years before. “We had it pretty good, we lived on a farm. But that last year of the war, 1944-1945 was terrible A time of rejoicing As the convoys of Canadian soldiers moved down the streets of Holland in May of 1945, the streets were crowded with people celebrating their liberation from Nazi occupation. (From a Liberation Album — Da\/id Kaufman/Michiel Horn) for everybody.” The Benjamins said that people would walk to their farm from Amsterdam, 100 kms away, in search of food. “We were short of food too, but we had our own garden. These people were dying from hunger. Dad would always find something to give them,” said Tinie. Area churches also did what they could. “There were special programs where you could foster kids for awhile,” said Tinie. Her family, which already included 12 children, fostered an eight-year-old girl for a time. “They told us not to give her too much food right away. She would not have been used to it. We had to start with small portions or she would be sick.” John, who came from a family ol seven, said they fostered an entire family. Even for those who could grow their own food, it was a time of deprivation. “We were never hungry. But you didn’t always have what you should. I remember having a big pan of potatoes and we would put milk on instead of gravy,” recalls Tinie. “There was no fruit. People would get scurvy.” “It was a strange and scary time,” said John. “If you did something that was illegal the Germans would shoot you. If you were not inside your home by 8 at night, you would be picked up.” Tinie recalls a time when a plane came down outside their home. “There was fire in the sky. We saw the parachutes. They were English and the Germans were there right away to catch them. They came to our house and asked if we were hiding any.” With her family home’s proximity to the canal, Tinie often saw airplanes shooting at the boats that would travel the waterway. “Sirens would go and people would be running. I saw a little girl with her arm shot off.” Yet. despite these vivid memories, the Benjamins bear no ill will to the German soldiers. “They had to do what Hitler was telling them,” said John. Tinie even remembers an occasion when her family was shown kindness by the Nazis. “We had to travel by horse and buggy as we had no bikes anymore.” Tinie tells. “We were on our way to church one morning and a German truck passed us. They were very scary, covered in branches and the horse was startled and ran in front of the truck. The soldiers came out and really helped us. They talked about church with us. They saved us.” That said there was no sadness at seeing them leave. With Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender and.the arrival of Canadian soldiers into Holland in May 1945, the country was liberated. “When those Canadian tanks and soldiers came through our village, no one stayed home,” said Tinie. “We lined the streets to see them and they threw chocolate bars at us. We had never had such a treat before.” The biggest church in the area was selected as the place for the entire community to come together in gratitude and celebration. “I even remember what the minister was saying,” said Tinie, pointing out Psalm 66. “It starts with ‘shout for joy’ and says to see what God has done. It fits. “The atmosphere was so good.” “And I was with you that day,” says John, a twinkle in his crystal blue eyes. The comment prompts Tinie’s ever ready charming giggle. “We weren’t going out yet, though. Off to Canada With the war a distant memory, but its aftermath still affecting life in Holland, the now married Benjamins set sail for Canada and a new home in spring of 1953. (Photo submitted) Veterans gather to remember, celebrate Continued from page 2 War. Many veterans gathered in remembrance and celebration of the Allied victory, some close to home in celebrations in Goderich and Exeter. Others gathered in Ottawa at the opening of the new Canadian War Museum and services. Over 1500 Canadian veterans gathered in the Netherlands for celebrations. The Netherlands and Canada have had a close relationship since the war, as it was mostly Canadian troops which defeated and drove the Germans from Holland. We started dating when you were 16 and I was 15.” That eventually led to marriage and shortly thereafter immigration to the country with which they shared a bond. “1 notice that the people born before the war are more appreciative of what the Canadians did.” says John. “I remember once the Canadians having a party for some Dutch children. They made everyone of the presents, the toys for these children,” said Tinie. “It gives me goosebumps to think about it.” “I am a pacifist by nature,” notes John, “but what those Canadians did is different than what soldiers are doing in places like Iraq today.” Remembering the 60th anniversary of VE Day is “very important” says Tinie. Speaking of a former Blyth resident who was with the Canadian troops that were in Holland at the time, she adds how nice it was to share her feelings with him. “Now he is gone, like many of the older people and that is sad.” “I honour them very much,” says John. Celebrations in Goderich were held in conjunction with the Dutch community and this weekend is another weekend of celebrations. As many veterans are now in their 80s, it is important for everyone to take time and remember the sacrifices of our Armed Forces, to thank those who served our country and returned home, to remember those who did not, and to learn how to avoid conflicts again. Everyone needs to educate our younger generations on the horrors of war and how we as Legionnaires need to perpetuate our promise.