France / , 25.03.2015

70 years of Maple Leaves and Tulips at Exhibition about Canadians liberating the Netherlands during WWII

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the French Centre and the Foundation present the temporary exhibition ‘Maple Leaves and Tulips, 70 years then and now’. Location is Courseulles-sur-Mer in Normandy.

The exhibition reminds people about the major role the Canadians played in the liberation of the Netherlands during the last nine months of the Second World War. It highlights historical moments, which are the origin of constant friendship links unifying both countries since the dreadful 1945 winter.

Forged in fire The post-war period is also mentioned trough the stories of the Dutch war wives who followed their Canadian soldiers in their new country, the first large Dutch immigration waves to , as well as the numerous commemorative traditions these past decades. This exhibition is a tribute to the friendship between the Canadian and Dutch people, forged in fire, and which continues today.

Both the Liberation Route Europe Foundation (www.liberationroute.com) and the (www.junobeach.org) worked on the creation and realisation of the exhibition. The explanation is available in French, English and Dutch. ‘Maple Leaves and Tulips’ can be visited at the Museum Hall of the museum in Courseulles-sur-Mer (Normandy).

Dates The exhibition is open from the 1st of April until the 30th of December 2015. The official inauguration ceremony will take place on the 2nd of April, starting at 17:30. Entrance of the Museum Hall is free. Exact address: Voie des Français Libres, BP 104, F-14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer.

(not for the editor) If you want to have any further information about the exhibition or the Juno Beach Centre, please contact Nathalie Worthington, director of the museum: [email protected] | +33(0)2 3137 3217

If you want to have any further information about the Liberation Route Europe, please contact Jeroen van Wieringen, press officer of the foundation: [email protected] | +31(0)6 4671 0033