SDG Counties and its partners at the Municipality of South Dundas hosted Her Excellency Margriet Vonno, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada, at a ceremony honouring the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers during the Second World War.
As part of events to honour the 80th aniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands, Vonno attended Royal Canadian Legion Branch 48 in Morrisburg on May 2 to officially unveil a historic plaque that commemorates the sacrifices of members of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders during the Dutch campaign.
“I come from a small community like yourselves,” said Vonno, in her keynote address. “I know how important it is that you have a tight-knit community, that you know everyone...I felt it was a great honour that I can be a part of this.”
Vonno was joined by MP Eric Duncan at the event. Duncan was one of the chief organizers of the ceremony, along with retired Lt. Col. William Sheering, former commanding officer of the Highlanders.
"Today we mark the sacrifices of the past while calling attention to the strong links that keep our two countries the best of friends and partners," said Duncan.
His sentiment was echoed by Sheering, who's idea it was to commemorate the sacrifices of local soliders. The Dutch Meadows historic plaque will be installed in the Dutch Meadows development located in Morrisburg. The development has named streets after communities in Holland, including Elst Avenue and Rotterdam Way.
"This is a fitting tribute to members of the Glens who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom," said Sheering.
The plaque is one of nearly 70 in our region, including the City of Cornwall, that tell stories of the past through important local insights, as well as art.
Pierre Giroux, a world-class artist who has studied in Italy, is the talent behind all of the colourful displays contained on the plaques.