Foundation
Foundation:
The Foundation Voorthuizen Liberation 1945 has been established bij two eye-witnesses of the Liberation in 1945 namely:
Henk van Drie in Voorthuizen (35 km N.W. of Arhem, with the "One bridge to far") and Late Gert Jan (Gerry) van Elten in Voorthuizen (in 1945 in Kootwijkerbroek, 5 km. east of Barneveld resp. 6 km south-east of Voorthuizen) and Henk van Beek in Barneveld, 30km. N.W. of Arnhem.
Henk van Beek is born at the farm Gelkenhorst about 1 km. east of Barneveld. See the story about the Liberation of Gelkenhorst.
Object:
The aim of the Foundation is to organize a contribution to the coming commemoration and festivities regarding the liberation of Voorthuizen by the Canadian army in 1945.
With our Dutch/English website and our program (see further on) we aim at reaching Canadians Veterans.
Secondly at the many Canadian students who will accompany the Veterans on their trip to Europe, and Holland we hope.
Since 2008 some members of the foundation have investigated the exact route of the Canadian Tank Division coming from Arnhem and Otterlo, passing the community of Barneveld by "marching" on along Kootwijkerbroek , Barneveld and Voorthuizen towards Putten, Ermelo and Harderwijk at the Zuiderzee, to capture the Germans locked in around Apeldoorn.
For details see the map “Route of the 5th Canadian Tank Division on 15, 16 17 and 18 April 1945” and the clarification etc.
Commemorations/festivities:
Because of the fierce fighting in and around Voorthuizen, causing many casualties among Canadians, Germans and Dutch civilians no doubt, the largest events of Holland and for the whole week of 3rd till the 8th of may, are organized in Voorthuizen.
The following three organizations have special programs:
A. Stichting Voorthuizen Military Tattoo (see www.voorthuizentattoo.nl)
B. Oranjevereniging Voorthuizen (see www.oranjeverenigingvoorthuizen.nl)
C. Our Foundation (see www.voorthuizenliberation1945.nl)
Location:
Within a few days we will inform you how to reach Voorthuizen, where best (at families or hotels) to stay and which program we advise to follow to get most out of your stay.
Further, our president Gert Jan (Gerry) van Elten (eye witness of the liberation and now 81 years old), who has always been very sensitive to jetlag (and still is) but never the less had for his business to travel over the whole world, will give you his advise how to stay fit by avoiding jetlag. Specially if traveling against the clock.
Special regards :
Could some Canadians students in the mean time help us to inform as many Canadians Veterans and students as possible who are planning or considering a trip to Europe to participate in the commemorations and festivities.
Contact us at info@voorthuizenliberation1945.nl
Barbera van de Fliert
Secretary of Voorthuizen Liberation 1945.