Prince George, B.C. – The public is invited to join members of the local Dutch community as it   commemorates the liberation of Holland from German occupation on May 5, 1945 by Canadian soldiers and says thank you to Canada.

The Dutch Canadian Tulip Commemoration ceremony is being held at noon today at the Cenotaph in front of City Hall.  The tulip has become a symbolic way for Dutch people to express their gratitude to the people of Canada and was a gift in perpetuity to the Canadian people for providing a safe harbour to the Dutch Royal family during the Second World War. Upon their return home, the Dutch people sent 100,000 tulips to our national capitol. Since then, the Dutch people have sent 10,000 tulip bulbs annually to Canada. Ottawa has more tulips than any place outside of the Netherlands.

Here in Prince George Veterans Plaza has become the permanent location for what has become an annual gathering, with this being the 8th year.  Members of the Dutch community will be joined by dignitaries and other speakers, and members of the public are welcome to attend and witness this expression of appreciation.