MANITOULIN – If we were living in normal times, this year would have provided for a full celebration commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. However, due to COVID-19, these celebrations were a lot different than usual.
This year’s national celebrations took place online as Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) branches are closed, Roy Eaton, RCL District H Public Affairs officer reported.
Mr. Eaton pointed out both the provincial and national command of RCL is helping Legions pay their bills. National command is providing $4 million in assistance and the provincial command has returned the annual fees, which could amount to $1 million in some cases, to the individual Legions. RCL is hopeful of garnering further assistance from the federal government.
Legion members celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by wearing orange and taking part in the activities available on the Veterans Affairs Canada website.