On Friday, April 8, it was exactly 77 years since Holten was liberated by Canadian soldiers. On that day, two years later than expected, the completely renovated and modernized information center near the Canadian Cemetery (ICB) opened. Among the attendees were Canadian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ms. Lisa Helfand, Commissioner to 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 Netherlands, various showcases with authentic personal utensils of the Canadian liberators and an extraordinary liberation scene. The new multifunctional space, which is mainly used to welcome groups and school classes for guided tours, was renamed Enklaarzaal, in honor of 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 during the WWII 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 died liberating Holten and the surrounding area.

The photos of this special day can be found in our photobook.