IOFF HQ Dispatch #1 - July 2024 |
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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 past weeks since we launched IOFF 2025, we’ve had an amazing response!
We’re thrilled with the number who have expressed interest and the many, like you,
who have subscribed to our newsletter, HQ Dispatch.
During the past month, over 19,000 people viewed our Facebook page!
299 days to go—and counting! Remember … space is limited. So be sure to pre-register now to avoid disappointment! The IOFF Team |
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Get ready to book
your “Father’s Footsteps” pilgrimage! Have you Pre-Registered for IOFF? If so, you’ll be first in line to book your 80th anniversary pilgrimage! (Please note that you must pre-register in order to book your trip.) |
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Toward the end of July, we’ll notify you when the travel agency (Verstraete Travel and Cruises) has posted the Booking Form on their site. (After that, we’ll post a public notification on our Facebook page.) To book your pilgrimage, simply complete the Booking Form and send it directly to Verstraete. Remember to act fast to avoid disappointment. |
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The Canadian Remembrance Torch
The Canadian Remembrance Torch has just returned from its Echoes of Gratitude Tour in Ottawa and Normandy, honouring D-Day’s 80th anniversary.
Designed, built, and refined each year by a team of McMaster engineering students, The Canadian Remembrance Torch serves as our national symbol of gratitude for peace and freedom. The Canadian Remembrance Torch will lead our journey through the Netherlands. Photo credit: Berry Swarthoff |
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A Royal Experience!
On May 3, 2025, IOFF participants will attend the “80 Years Liberation” Dutch tap toe (military tatoo) in Apeldoorn.
This special event will be followed by a private meeting with Princess Margriet, our Canadian princess, and her husband, Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven. This awesome experience is unique to IOFF 2025. Photo credit: © RVD - Martijn Beekman |
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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 the Second World War, fierce battles were fought in this area, battles we’ll learn more about as we re-live the events of the Dutch Liberation. Now a hotel, Ehzerwold will be IOFF’s exclusive barracks, complete with military décor, Dutch cuisine, and themed evening entertainment. |
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Verstraete Travel & Cruises Once again, Verstraete will be our exclusive travel agent and will handle all IOFF travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, meals, and transportation. For over 25 years, Verstraete Travel has been the sole Canadian agency for Welcome Again Veterans, a foundation responsible for memorial tours in The Netherlands for Canadian war veterans and their families. |
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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. |
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Spread the word! IOFF’s goal is to bring 140 Canadians to the Netherlands for the May 2025 80th anniversary commemorations. Since our May launch, we’ve received a tremendous response!
Help us reach our goal by spreading the word to everyone you know.
Together, let’s “walk the talk”: We will remember! |
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