No. I was there in Eindhoven on September 18 this year. I saw the ceremony they held in remembrance as they do every year. It was heartfelt and extremely moving; a surprising number of Dutch, British, American, and Canadian veterans of that liberation showed up to ride in the reenactment parade, and what must have been almost every kid in town marched, too. Believe me, Eindhoven hasn't forgotten. They agree with everything the current US and British governements do, but why should they?
Liberation Eindhoven: next year (2009) it is 65 years a go that Eindhoven was liberated. On September 18th, as every year, we will thank with many respect all those who risked or give their life for us. We will never forget what our liberators did for us!
@janklul Because the song isn't just about Amsterdam, it is about the blackout, the war and the longing for peace. The song has been recorded in many languages and versions, all about different cities, towns and countries. The theme, the feeling, the dreaming of the end of war fits with the first part of the video. And I love the song ;) But yes, it would have been nicer if they had made such a song about Eindhoven, but they didn't.
some fantastiche footage here, my father was one who helped to liberate Holland he was at Nijmijgen in the royal artillery. I have always loved Holland / Nederland , kussjes uit Engeland altijd xxx
I respect all those who went through wwii, specially civilians, I hope one day I can go to Holland, it seems to be a beautiful country. greetings from Mexico =)
It isn't an issue that the Americans entered the war at a later stage. Churchill issued large orders in the US in a lend-lease program, but also to stimulate the US level of technology and factories. For example, Great Britain ordered a lot of M3 Lee, Sherman tanks and tommy guns. This was a great start ahead for the Americans when they started the war: the factories, technology and resources were already there.
@kaiyinyuen The early war support was some help to the UK but during the most important phase of the entire war (the Battle of Britain) the UK had to mostly rely on their own goods and experience. I also think that the US threatening with declaring war on Germany the second they invaded Poland could have stopped this and perhaps even end the war before it started or delay it.
@mike111s Eastern Europe was liberated by the RUSSIANS, they also were the first to enter Berlin. That's why Eastern Europe was was part of the Sovjet Union until the late 80's
@kaiyinyuen Yes but not every army did so much damage that it influenced the rest of the war, the Dutch did. There were not continuous air raids, just one big one that made clear that fighting on would cause severe civilian losses and would not be worth it without the promised but not coming Alied support.
@88jscol Indeed they declared neutrality, hoping that they would not be attacked like during the First World War. However, the Dutch army did mobilize its troops. Unfortunately, the army was doomed to lose: French army advisers visited the Dutch army, and they said that the Dutch army was obsolete, under-equipped, not trained enough and failed in camouflage techniques. Of course this was mainly due to the Netherlands not being involved in the First World War.
The Dutch suffered terribly under German occupation. Many brave Dutch people helped allied airmen to evade capture. God bless the Netherlands. Long may she be a true ally and friend of Britain!
Indeed! I dont mind critical remarks about my countries history, a lot did go wrong in 1940, but I wont accept uneducated comments, people who dont know what they are talking about shouldnt talk. There is a excellent website called 'War over Holland' that tells the history of the battle in 1940 in English. Very educational and interesting, worth a read. I am very thankful towards the American liberators but lets not forget most of the Netherlands was actually liberated by the Canadians.
@nederland4045 Every army opposed by the Germans caused severe damage. (except the Danish) The Dutch airforce had new state of the art fighter planes, but were all destroyed during bombings. Yes, Dutch soldiers fought like lions, protecting their home land. Only there was lack of training and equipment. There were successes and failures. German breakthroughs, but also German soldiers being captured. But with continuous air raids, losing was inevitable. As seen as in Rotterdam.
Yeah, i hate people that says " We fought against the germans! " instead of saying something like " brave soldiers fought for my country against the germans"
What on earth are you on about? We have a very high opinion of the tommies and yanks, especially the generation that fought for us. And if you are talking about modern day politics... just because a country did something good for us once doesnt mean we have to agree with everything it does later on.
respect needs to be earned Jade and not expected for what your grandfathers generation did , or maybe you just dont understand the Dutch Sense of Humour and the language , my father was also in Holland in 1944 and also in 1945 the Dutch people couldnt have been more respectful and grateful in spite of their own huge losses and suffering from Honger Winter , wash your mouth out child the world owes you nothing, you must earn it
And where where the Americans in 1940? Try reading some books about the war in 1940, the Dutch fought like lions and severely damaged the German war machine. Possibly even influencing the entire war (Dutch damage to luftwaffe was extreme). We owe the American WW2 generation a lot, we are very grateful to them, but its a shame that the postwar (not just American) generations are insulting their memory by knowing so little about history. Google "War over Holland" and educate yourself.
What are you commenting on? I think you are talking about the "And where where the Americans in 1940?" remark. If you read your history you will realise that while the world was at war at this time America remained neutral and did not take part in the most important time of WW2.
And the USA was created with DUTCH & FRENCH blood cause the Americans rolled over and could not handle England alone so they got on their knees and begged us to help and we did. So if it wasnt for the Dutch & French you would not have a country, so helping and liberating us years later was the right thing to do. PS: the Netherlands was liberated mostly by Canadians, even more English..Just saying;)
