Media advisory - Governor General to represent Canada at events marking the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe

OTTAWA, ON, May 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will travel to the Netherlands from May 3 to May 6, 2025, to commemorate the 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe, at the request of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.

As commander-in-chief of Canada, the Governor General will take part in key commemorations to recognize the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Canada's veterans whose actions forged an enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. 

The Governor General will deliver remarks and lay a wreath during a ceremony of remembrance at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery. During her visit to Holten, the Governor General will spend time with Canadian veterans to express her gratitude—on behalf of all Canadians—for their efforts to help liberate the Dutch people and Europe. She will also meet with members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities while in Holten.

Her Excellency will attend the Wageningen National Commemoration Capitulation 1945 and Freedom Parade, marking the historical signing of the German surrender and the end of the Second World War in the Netherlands. The Freedom Parade will include Canadian veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and will highlight Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands.

While in the Netherlands, Her Excellency will also meet with His Majesty King Willem‑Alexander of the Netherlands, with Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, and with His Excellency Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

The Governor General plays an important role in representing Canada and carrying out the duties of the head of State on behalf of the Sovereign in domestic and international events and ceremonies, while recognizing the incredible contributions of Canadians at home and abroad.

Itinerary:

Note: times are indicated in Central European Time Zone, which is six (6) hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.

Sunday, May 4 – Holten, Netherlands

11:00 a.m.
Holten Ceremony of Remembrance
The Governor General will deliver remarks and lay a wreath to honour the memory of the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom during the liberation of the Netherlands and of Europe.
Holten Canadian War Cemetery
Holten, Netherlands
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media Registration 
Learn more about the Holten Canadian War Cemetery

2:00 p.m.
Meeting with Canadian Veterans
The Governor General will attend a lunch meeting with Canadian veterans to thank them for their role in bringing freedom to the Dutch people and to Europe.
Restaurant Mondani
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Learn more about how Canadian soldiers played a pivotal role in liberating the Netherlands

5:00 p.m.
The Governor General will meet with Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands.
Huis Het Loo, Apeldoorn
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY   

Monday, May 5 – Wageningen and Groesbeek, Netherlands

10:10 a.m.
Her Excellency will meet with His Excellency Dick Schoof, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the Netherlands.
Visum Mundi building, Wageningen
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Learn more about the Government of the Netherlands
Media information

10:30 a.m.
National Ceremony of Capitulations 1945 and Freedom Parade
The Governor General will attend the ceremony to commemorate the 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.
5 Mei Square, Wageningen
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA
Media Registration

3:50 p.m.
Her Excellency will visit an exhibit by Dutch professor Dr. Mathilde Roza, which explores the lasting contributions of First Nations and Métis soldiers to the 1945 liberation of the Netherlands.
Freedom Museum
Wylerbaan 4, Groesbeek
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY
Learn more about the Indigenous Liberators exhibit

Tuesday, May 6 – The Hague, Netherlands

9:00 a.m.
The Governor General will have a courtesy call with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
Huis Den Bosch, The Hague
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT THE BEGINNING
Learn more about the Royal House of the Netherlands 
Media information

9:50 a.m.
The Governor General will stop briefly at the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands, in The Hague, to meet with embassy staff. She will thank them for their ongoing support throughout the visit.
Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands, in The Hague
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Quick Facts

• The Governor General's visit is part of a broader series of commemorative events marking the 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe.
• The Canadian delegation will include Second World War veterans, representatives from veterans' organizations, officials from Veterans Affairs Canada, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, including units with historic ties to the liberation of the Netherlands.
• The annual ceremony at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery features Canadian and Dutch participation, including poems by schoolchildren, musical performances, a flypast, and the symbolic drop of 15 000 Canadian poppies.
• More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served during the Second World War, on land, at sea, and in the air.
• The Governor General undertakes official international travel at the request of the Prime Minister and in support of the Government of Canada's diplomatic, foreign policy and trade objectives.

Notes for media:

• Media who wish to cover events must register where indicated above.
• Media in Canada who wish to broadcast events in the Netherlands can contact Veterans Affairs Canada at the address below for information on how to obtain broadcast rights.
• Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via [email protected].

Related links:

• Canada-Netherlands relations
• Find more information on the 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the End of the Second World War in Europe.

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office, [email protected]; Media Relations: Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]