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AM 770 Calgary Bookmarks with Gary Freeman

On Saturday, February 13, in Vancouver I was honoured to present a copy of Terrible Victory to Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende during a ceremony at the Billy Bishop Legion hall. The book was of particular interest to the prime minister because it details on page 400 the liberation of his hometown of Biezelinge on October 28, 1944. Born in 1956, he grew up hearing often of the day when soldiers of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry crossed the Beveland Canal and the advanced through heavy rain and shellfire across the mud-soaked fields to gain the village.

The event at the Billy Bishop Centre was held to enable the prime minister to present about 75 veterans with a special medallion issued by the Dutch government in recognition of their role in liberating the Netherlands 65 years ago.

Photo courtesy Kent Kallberg, Kallberg Studios

Prime Minister Balkenende examines presentation copy of Terrible Victory. Standing opposite on the other side of me is Dave Sinclair, Command President BC/Yukon Command of the Honour Legion.

 Agira Canadian War Cemetery

A group of Canadian citizens are organizing a commemorative trek that will retrace the route taken by 1st Canadian Infantry Division during its invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943. For more information about this tour and how to become involved as a participant or supporter, go to www.operationhusky2013.ca. I am serving as the historical consultant for the organizing committee and am looking forward to participating in the trek.