Background
The memory of the ties between Canada and the Netherlands is written in hardship and blood.
Rock Solid Friendship in Burlington
The bonds of friendship between Canada and The Netherlands were once again celebrated at the Royal Botanical Gardens (www.rbg.ca) in Burlington, Ontario. On October 14, 2008, local dignitaries attended the official unveiling of a new plaque for a European Beech tree that was planted in 1988 by H.M. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands during a state visit to Canada.
The new plaque replaces an earlier, smaller one that was made after the state visit to commemorate this event. Today the small tricolour beech has grown to about nine meters high.
Burlington is twinned with the Dutch city of Apeldoorn in 2005. Fred de Graaf, mayor of Apeldoorn and his Secretary Carel Meurs, were present at this special ceremony. Jack van der Laan, chair of the Canada-Netherlands Friendship Association in Burlington sponsored the event.
From left, Johan Kramer, Consul General of the Netherlands, Ina and Freek Vrugtman (formerly employed at the RBG) suggested that a new plaque should be installed, Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson and Fred de Graaf, Mayor of Apeldoorn.
