Canadian honoured in Holland

November 1, 2019 - Defence Stories

On August 30, 2019, WWII veteran and Royal Canadian Dragoon, Tpr (Ret’d) Don White received a bouquet of tulips named after him (the “Don White Tulip”) from the Prime Minister of The Netherlands in a ceremony witnessed by Don’s family and the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette.

The tribute is on behalf of the people of The Netherlands to all Canadians who helped liberate their country almost 75 years ago.

“The last time I met with the now 95-year Canadian Veteran, Don White, was in the parliament in Ottawa when he received a well-deserved standing ovation,” said Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

“It is an honour to receive him here today,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. “Without Mr. White and other brave allied soldiers, this wouldn’t have been possible. The freedom that the Netherlands has enjoyed this past 75 years, is thanks to the great sacrifices of soldiers such as Don White. Today I want to say thank you with a typical Dutch tribute. Earlier this year, I got the chance to give a new tulip a name. This white flower was baptized the Don White tulip. As we start the beginning of celebrating 75 years of liberation, I want to present the tulip, in the presence of Canadian Governor General Julie Payette, to the hero who shares its name. Mr. White, thank you.”