Canadian Tulip Festival honours Netherlands liberation

Article / May 20, 2025 / National Defence

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

Another year of the Canadian Tulip Festival is complete, and this year’s theme, Celebrating 80 Years of Liberation by the Canadian Army, recognized Canada’s role in liberating the Netherlands during the Second World War.

The previous two festivals also honoured the Canadian Armed Forces. The Royal Canadian Navy was in the spotlight in 2023, and the Royal Canadian Air Force centennial the focus in 2024.

Taking place from May 9-19 at Commissioner’s Park in Ottawa, the 2025 edition included a parade by Army cadets, a piper, a booth of military displays by soldiers from the Army’s 4th Canadian Division, and much more.

The opening ceremony included a special welcome for 30 Second World War veterans in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the liberation, including Private (Retired) John Preece of Toronto.

Priv (Ret) Preece received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945, and the Norwegian Merchant Marine Medal for his service.

The Tulip Festival was established in 1953 in recognition of the liberation and the unique binational relationship, which saw Canada give refuge to members of the Dutch Royal Family after they fled the Nazi occupation.

Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands gave birth to Princess Margriet, her third child, at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa on 19 January 1943.

The tulip tradition began in 1945 when Princess Juliana, now returned safely home, sent 100,000 bulbs as a token of gratitude.

The Dutch commemorate their liberation each year with ceremonies in which schoolchildren place tulips on the burial plots of fallen soldiers.

And on December 24 each year, they place candles in remembrance of the more than 7,000 Canadians who died fighting in the Netherlands.

“The Canadian Army very much appreciates this recognition of our veterans,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army, “and the unique friendship we enjoy with the Dutch.”

“The liberation of the Netherlands is an honourable legacy,” he added. “Our heritage inspires us as we prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”