Lest we forget. The Canadian War Cemetery in Holten is the final resting place of 1,394 soldiers who fought for our freedom. Behind every headstone is a grieving family and a story—stories we are committed to passing on for generations to come.

Take Konrad Butt, for example, buried in grave 6-C-2. Born in Winnipeg in March 1925, he grew up as the son of Russian immigrants. A young dental technician, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1943. What followed was a short but intense military career that took him through England and Italy before finally leading him to the Netherlands.

As a member of the Cape Breton Highlanders, Konrad took part in the heavy fighting around Delfzijl during the final days of the war. On May 1, 1945, just days before the liberation, he was killed in action at the age of twenty. Behind the simple line ‘Killed in action’ lies a human life. Those who read his full story will discover not only where Konrad fought, but also who he was and why his story is worth remembering.

Read his whole story.