Opening renewed Information Center Canadian Cemetery Holten

On Friday, April 8, it was exactly 77 years ago that Holten was liberated by Canadian soldiers. That day, two years later than planned, the completely renovated and modernized information center at the Canadian Cemetery (ICB) was opened. Among those present were Canadian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ms. Lisa Helfand, Commissioner of the King of Overijssel Andries Heidema and Mayor of Rijssen-Holten Arco Hofland.

Friday also marked the start of the temporary exhibition 'The Sweetest Spring 1945', including 16 Then & Now posters of the liberation in the North-East of the Netherlands, various showcases with authentic personal belongings of the Canadian liberators and a special liberation scene. The new multifunctional space, which is mainly used for the reception of groups and school classes for guided tours, was renamed the Enklaarzaal, in honor of the former Mayor of Holten Willem Enklaar. The unveiling took place in the presence of his children Mieke Mol-Enklaar, Josien Enklaar and Chris Enklaar. They were visibly moved.

The ICB is currently also paying attention to the 27 Canadians with Ukrainian roots who already fought for the freedom of Europe in WW2 and are buried in Holten.

After the opening ceremony, Ms. Helfand and ICB chairman Albert Boode jointly laid a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice in memory of those who fell during the liberation of Holten and surroundings. 

In our photo album we share some pictures of this special day.