Anniversary ceremonies and tour of towns liberated by Algonquin Regiment being organized

An overseas tour of several towns in Holland and Belgium that were liberated by the Algonquin Regiment in World War II is being organized locally.

Retired history teacher John Hetherington says in 2010 the Regiment established a permanent memorial (pictured above) along the Leopold canal in Moerkerke, Belgium and they have been invited back.

“Streets are named after the Algonquins and everyone remembers the Algonquin name. They’re having a 75th anniversary ceremony there, where the Algonquins suffered some extreme casualties attempting to cross the first canal going into Holland,” he says.

Hetherington says there aren’t any Regiment members, who served in the war, that are still alive.

But he says friends, family and former serving ranks of the Regiment can hear first hand experiences from residents there, who were children at the time.

“A lot of people there that were 10, 11 and 12 years old when the attacks came, and the Algonquins moved through their towns as liberators, and they remember the Algonquins. It’s etched into their memories,” he says.

Several towns and sites will be visited with ceremonies honouring the Regiment.

Hetherington says 15 people have signed up so far, with more welcome.

They’d like to have firm numbers and deposits by the second week of April.

The tour, which is being coordinated by Retired Colonel Stuart McVeety runs September 11th to 16th, 2019.

For more information contact:
– Retired Colonel Stuart McVeety at 705-729-2841 (email) stuartmcveety@hotmail.com
– John Hetherington at 705-492 6975 (email) historyguy62@hotmail.com or connect with Hetherington on Facebook.

(Photos submitted)