HQ DISPATCH #3 - OCTOBER 2019 |
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Hello! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! For me, Thanksgiving—a time of gratitude—is a prelude to what follows: a time of remembrance. And, Remembrance Day 2019 will provide good preparation for our special plans for May 2020. On November 11th, I encourage you to take special notice of the practice of remembrance: what is said, what is done, and why. Even though I’ve attended the annual Remembrance Day service all my life, I now realize how little I know about it. What is the “Last Post”? What song does the piper play? What poem is read? (Hint: It’s not “In Flanders Fields”.) Thanks for taking the time to catch up on IOFF’s latest developments. Over the past month, interest in IOFF has taken off! Our most recent Facebook post on “Memorial Day of Canada in the Netherlands” was read by nearly 5000 people and was shared 165 times! IOFF was profiled in another
newspaper article. And, IOFF received its first sponsorship! With 180 days to go, guarantee your participation in IOFF's once-in-a lifetime event by booking as soon as possible while there's space available. Karen Hunter, on behalf of The IOFF Team |
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Thanks Cable Cable! Based in Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Cable Cable is a family-owned and locally-operated telecommunications company offering internet, TV, and home phone services. A big thanks to Tony Fiorini and the Cable Cable team for their support, encouragement, and sponsorship. Know of a company who may be interested in sponsoring IOFF? Go to the new SPONSOR US section on the website and download IOFF’s Sponsorship Letter. Or, email IOFF and we’ll create a customized one for you. |
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Follow us on Facebook! IOFF’s Facebook has lots of great content and an active community of followers. For those of you not on Facebook, below is a popular item we recently posted... Liberation babies Between 4500 and 7000 Dutch war babies were born with Allied fathers following the liberation. Most of the fathers are Canadians. Bob Smiet is a Dutch liberation baby who, with the help of a Canadian organization, recently found his father and his Canadian family. Come with us and hear Bob’s remarkable story. |
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And, here’s another. The power of walking in our (grand)fathers’ footsteps. Thanks to Menno Versteeg of the Canadian indie rock band, Hollerado, for sharing his amazing story. Looking for the lyrics? |
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Meet Cam, Cory, and Denise: The McLaughlin Team! Cam lives in Manitoba and is named after Major-General Cameron B. Ware, his father’s commanding officer in Italy. His sister, Denise, lives in New Zealand. Cam’s son, Cory, lives in Alberta. Together, the three will walk in the footsteps of James Mervin McLaughlin who served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. |
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“This trip is very special to us,” says Cam. “I have a half brother, born in Holland, whom I have never met, but hope to connect with.” They also plan to visit Apeldoorn and Haarlem where James was billeted. “At the end of our itinerary,” says Cam, “are the words, ‘This will be unforgettable’. And we’re sure it will be.” “We are so appreciative to have this opportunity to be a part of what was just a dream.” |
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We’re Filling Up … and so is the Netherlands! If you’re planning to come, and haven’t booked yet, the time is NOW! In addition to 75th anniversary celebrations, there are a number of high profile events happening in the NL in May 2020 such as: the Dutch Grand Prix, Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, and the hugely popular Eurovision Song Contest. What’s more, Lonely Planet just ranked the Netherlands as one of the top 10 places to visit next year. Book your pilgrimage now to avoid disappointment! |
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Please help us spread the news about this special tribute! Print our colour poster and ask to have it displayed at your local Legion branch, library, bookstore, grocery store, etc. Your help is much appreciated! | | |
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