The first of April 2015, the 12th Field crew captured the emotions for the 70th commemorations during the Final Push liberations and re-enactments by the Keep them Rolling Netherlands.
Give the Children Freedom is a poem reading and excerpt preview for the documentary of 12th Field Phantom Regiment, its story and battles for “freedom” and the Liberation of Netherlands. Through the eyes of those that lived it, history comes alive through interviews, WW2 archival footage, still photographs and authentic material. It is a personal story about remarkable men and women and their memories of their time.
The poem is read by the young student, Julian, in s-Heerenburg, Netherlands during the 70th commemorations of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Julian learned to read this poem in English as he was asked to tell the Canadians and WW2 Allies why it’s important that children are alive and free today.
‘s-Heerenberg, Netherlands, was at one of the first towns liberated on April 1st, 1945 in Operation Plunder and the Battle of the Rhine.
- Special thank you to Julian, his wonderful parents and his teacher : )
- Credit to the Canadian War Amps WWII footage Link here >>
- Reference and credit for WW2 footage during the occupation at Kamp Westerbork, Netherlands Link here >>
- Special Thanks to Keep Them Rolling Netherlands – The Final Push 2015
- 12thfieldrca.ca/crossing-of-the-rhine
- 70th Anniversary ‘s-Heerenberg April 1st 2015
- Emotions run high during the 70th remembrance ceremonies
Give the children freedom!
Author anonymous
I see children play together, black or white,
It doesn’t matter, they want to share everything.
Do they know, there was a war, a long time ago.
Do they realize what it means: one-minute silence?
And to celebrate liberation day, the next day?
Do they know about the concentration camps?
We will tell them about the terror of the war…
I so wish to all children peace forever!
Let all children live in peace,
No war, no hate, no envy, no senseless violence!
Give us peace and freedom…..everywhere.