Why the Dutch still honour Canadians, 80 years after their liberation from Germany | CBC Radio

Canadian veteran Jim Parks is getting ready to visit the Netherlands again, 80 years after playing a role in liberating the country from German occupation. 

And he can expect a warm welcome. 

"He's still our hero," said Marco Kalmijn, who is part of the Canadian Liberators Foundation, which helps Canadian veterans visit the Netherlands. "Even after 80 years, he's still our hero here in the Netherlands, so we're so grateful he can come again."

Parks, now 100 years old, is one of the many Canadians who fought the Germans in Europe during the Second World War. But in the Netherlands, there's a special appreciation for the Maple Leaf. 

Around 7,600 Canadians died prying the Netherlands from Hitler's grip. Since then, the Dutch have found many ways to honour the Canadians who fought in their country.