HQ DISPATCH #1 - AUGUST 2019 |
|
|
Hello! I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful summer! Thanks for taking a few moments to catch up on IOFF’s latest developments. In the four weeks since our site launch, we’ve had an amazing response! We’re thrilled with the number who have pre-registered and the many, like you, who have signed up for our newsletter, HQ Dispatch. During the past month, nearly 10,000 people viewed our Facebook page! Check out our site updates. We have lots of new additions and announcements! Read about our new partnerships and affiliations. Got some questions? We’re about to launch a brand new FAQ section. Of course, in the meantime, you can always reach us using our Contact Form. 258 days to go—and counting! Remember … space is limited … so Pre-Register now to avoid disappointment! The IOFF Team |
|
|
Welcome Verstraete Travel It’s official! Verstraete Travel will handle all IOFF travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, meals, and transportation. For over 25 years, Verstraete Travel has been the exclusive Canadian agency for Welcome Again Veterans, a foundation responsible for memorial tours in The Netherlands for Canadian war veterans and their families. Photocredit: Willem van de Kerkhof |
|
|
Verstraete Travel managed all travel arrangements for WAV’s 50th anniversary of the Liberation of The Netherlands (1995) and every major 5-year anniversary since then. Verstraete Travel is affiliated with BDL Group Travel in The Netherlands. |
|
|
Get Ready to Book Your “Father’s Footsteps” Pilgrimage! Did you Pre-Register for IOFF? If so, you’ll be first in line to book your May 2020 pilgrimage! Before the end of August (once all cost and itinerary details are finalized), we’ll notify you that Verstraete’s Booking Form (and IOFF’s Detailed Itinerary) have been posted on our site. After that, we’ll post a public notification on our Facebook page. Then, to book your pilgrimage, simply complete the Booking Form and email it directly to Verstraete Travel. Remember to act fast to avoid disappointment. |
|
|
Our New Partner: Battlefield Discovery We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Battlefield Discovery. Based in The Netherlands, Battlefield Discovery will bring The Liberation story to life for us. Using official historical documents, personal accounts of people who were involved, and local knowledge of the surroundings as they were at the time, Battlefield’s guides will take us back in time to better understand the military operations and battles of The Liberation. |
|
|
We’ll travel through the Reichswald Forest in Germany, visiting the sites of Operation Veritable and Blockbuster. Together, we’ll walk routes taken by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Canadian Divisions, beginning in Megchelen (near Emmerich) and finishing in Apeldoorn, as we learn about Operation Cannonshot. With Battlefield Discovery, you’ll travel back in time, walk in your fathers’ footsteps and learn about his past through the story of The Liberation. |
|
|
Our New Affiliate: Faces To Canadian War Graves Groesbeek In Our Fathers’ Footsteps is proud to announce its new affiliation with Faces to Canadian War Graves Groesbeek. Faces to Graves is a foundation committed to putting “faces” to the 2619 headstones at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands and to the 1029 names of missing soldiers on the panels of the Groesbeek Memorial—99 are Canadians. Faces to Graves is searching for photos and information about these soldiers to create a Digital Monument, with the aim of recognizing each with a story of their life so they will never be forgotten. If you have any photos/information or if you have an interest in volunteering to assist with research, writing, editing, or translating (French Canadian to English), please contact: info@facestograves.nl In Our Fathers’ Footsteps’ goal is to provide Faces To Graves with promotional support and financial assistance. Photocredit: VAC/ACC |
|
|
A Royal Experience!
It’s happening! On May 9th, we’ll walk from Teuge to Apeldoorn, entering Paleis Het Loo as a large Canadian contingent carrying flags and accompanied by a military band. When we arrive at the Palace, we’ll be met by Princess Margriet, our Canadian princess!
This awesome experience is part of our 13-day extended program. |
|
|
IOFF’s Perfect “Barracks” Located in Almen, Hotel Landgoed Ehzerwold is a beautiful estate with a rich history. Opened as a hospital in 1911, it was converted to a sanitorium in 1920. During WWII, fierce battles were fought here, battles we’ll learn more about as we re-live the events of The Liberation. Now a hotel, Ehzerwold is planned to be IOFF’s exclusive barracks, complete with military décor, Dutch cuisine, and themed evening entertainment. | | |
|
|
Spread the Word!
IOFF’s goal is to bring 200 next-generation Canadians to
The Netherlands for the May 2020 75th anniversary celebrations. Since our July launch, we’ve received a tremendous response! Help us reach our goal by spreading the word to everyone you know and don’t forget to Pre-Register! Together, let’s “walk the talk”: We shall never forget! |
|
|
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! | | |
|
|
|
|
