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PAGE 8 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JANUARY 30,2002 Edwin G. Johnson (right) accepts congratulations front Legion life member Fred Brown during a ceremony ceremony that presented commemorative medals to vets Vets just happy WALTER PASSA RELIA/ Statesman plwto who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War. Legion president Jim Connell watched over the proceedings. to free Holland Liberators honoured more than half-century later BY CRYSTAL CRIMI Staff Writer CLARINGTON - Most Canadian soldiers didn't choose to serve during the Second World War to become become heroes, but don't tell that to the people of Holland. Nearly 57 years after the famous Netherlands liberation, liberation, two dozen veterans from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 in Clarington were presented with medals last Friday. The Netherlands Commemorative Commemorative Medals are special special recognition from the people of Holland for the tremendous role Canada's fighting forces played in freeing the Dutch from the clutches of their Nazi Germany Germany occupiers. "There were so many of us who were 18-years-old and gave up our freedom and not because we wanted to be heroes," said Norm Baker who acted as a Royal Canadian Canadian Army wire operator in Holland. "Everyone here who joined us in the first year of the war is 81 -years-old now (born 1921). We are fragile, but survivors and we will continue to survive. "Canada lost over 7,000 soldiers, killed in giving tbc people of Holland their freedom," freedom," he added. "We fought for them. We fought and defeated defeated the German Army and by doing that they became free again." Mr. Baker said when he got to Holland, the situation was more shocking than he could imagine. For months Canadians fought, built bridges, cleared mines and brought food to Dutch survivors survivors - at great loss. Many were injured or killed in the process. Despite the disaster of the war, which is never far from his thoughts, the kindness and appreciation the Dutch showed Canadians made Mr. Baker feel a richer man on his return to Canada. Veteran William Darch said the conditions in Holland Holland were horrible. He recalls some of the Dutch were forced to dig and hide in brash-covered pits in fields. "You wouldn't believe the lives of the people, the way they had to live. I've seen things I never want to see again in my life," said Mr. Darch. Since fighting in Holland, he has been back for a visit several several times. He said every time he has gone there, the people honoured him. Years later, they still do. But he said he doesn't feel like a hero, even with all the medals pinned on his uniform. "I feel thankful for being able to do what I did to help. I'd like to thank them for honouring honouring us," he said. At just 17 years of age, Heath Llewellyn not only lied about bis age, but about his eyesight as well. After being denied admission to the Air Force and Navy because of his poor vision, Mr. Llewellyn tried to get into the army. This time, he went in the night before and memorized memorized the eye exam. He became a sergeant and was one of many who helped defend Holland as the Nazis stole food and flooded the low-lying country by tearing down its dykes. When the war ended, instead of returning returning to Canada immediately, lie enjoyed the Dutch so much, lie remained for a while. "It makes me feel great. It's wonderful for them to do (give the vets the commemorative commemorative medal). They do appreciate appreciate us." Also recognized at the ceremony was James Cocker- ham. He received the Canadian Canadian Peacekeeping medal on behalf of the Canadian Government Government and the Royal Canadian Canadian Legion Branch 178 for his services in Canada in 1953, Germany in 1957, 1964 and 1972, and in Egypt in 1977. Your Source for Global Research Access to top-ranked research - It's yours to make the most of. Call now to receive your complir mentary timely reports: • CII3C Wood Gundy Monthly World Markets Report • CIBC World Markets Company Research Greg York, CFP Investment Advisor 1 Mary Street North Oshawa, ON L1G7W8 (905) 576-1726 • l 800 661-0243 grcg.york@dbc.ca CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Member CIPI : . Greg York, CFP Investment Advisor CffiS Wood Gundy GOLFERS 4 *i¥ave eputn 4cup! : --r- The Oshawa. Whitby, Clarington, Port Perry This Week. - ; : Ajax. 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For more information, call 905-885-0291 or toll-free 1-866-255-2755 or visit the Project Information Exchange. 110 Walton Street, Port Hope Pour information en français: 613-998-9442 You are also welcome to attend our Open House for the Port Hope Project at the Lions Centre, Gifford Street, Port Hope, on Feb. 6, 2002, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. * The Newtonuille Community Hall is located north of Durham Hwy. 2, east of Newtonuille Road, on Church Street, next to the Newtonuille United Church. 1 7