The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans completed a moving and memorable five-day visit to the Netherlands to commemorate Dutch Liberation, honour World War II veterans, and foster international friendship and remembrance.
After an overnight crossing from Harwich on 2 May, the party of WWII veterans, volunteers and carers were driven in a fleet of 20 London taxis from the Hook of Holland to Bronbeek with a full police escort. The escort, which cleared the motorway for the convoy, ensured the veterans arrived safely and in high spirits for a welcome lunch at the historic Bronbeek Military Home.
The following day the veterans attended a service at the Grebbeberg War Cemetery which contains 799 military personnel and one civilian who died during the invasion of the Netherlands by the Germans in May 1940. After a two minute silence veterans and cab drivers laid wreaths on the graves of some of the fallen.
At midnight, 100 year-old WWII veteran Mervyn Kersh lit the Flame of Liberation in the 5 Mei Plein, where the Germans signed the capitulation on 5 May 1945. He was joined in this important symbolic act by Canadian veteran 101 year old Nick Janicki. The moment was deeply moving for those in attendance. Dutch media outlet De Gelderlander described the ceremony as, “an unforgettable, poignant tribute to freedom and those who paid the ultimate price.”
Once the flame was lit, the party began as the square filled with 5,000 runners who lit their own torches to carry the flame to all parts of the Netherlands.
The following day, 5 May, the veterans led the Wageningen Liberation Parade. Riding with pride in golf carts through the streets lined with an estimated 120,000 cheering spectators waving flags and expressing heartfelt gratitude.
In the words of Omroep Gelderland, a Dutch media outlet,
“The presence of the British veterans gave the parade an emotional depth that brought tears to the eyes of many onlookers.”
During the dinner that evening, attended by veterans, carers, cab drivers, supporters and friends, Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity and long-serving volunteer, was honoured with the distinguished title of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Deputy Ambassador to the Netherlands, Keith Allen said on X,
“Many congratulations from all at the British Embassy to Dick Goodwin of the wonderful UK Taxi Charity for Military Veterans who received a well-deserved Dutch honour in Wageningen on 5 May.”
The journey was made even more special thanks to the crew of the Stena Line Britanica who went above and beyond to ensure the comfort and dignity of the veterans. Their warmth and professionalism did not go unnoticed, with many veterans praising the service onboard.
“This trip is not just about remembrance, it’s about friendship, respect, and showing these veterans how much they are still appreciated,” said Colin Mills, London cab driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity. “Every wave from the roadside, every child handing them a flower or gift, it matters. And it’s something they’ll never forget.”
WWII veteran Marie Scott said,
“To see the men, women and children standing ten deep at the roadside, gathered on balconies and perched on roof tops applauding as we passed by in the parade is something I will never ever forget.”
WWII veteran Geoff Roberts who was captured in Arnhem and spent the rest of the war as a POW was accompanied by his daughters on this trip. One of his daughter’s, Claire Welburn said,
“Returning to The Netherlands is always a pleasure, and this year was no exception. The love and appreciation from the Dutch people is unbelievable. They come and shake your hand and thank you for your service after all these years. If it wasn’t for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, I wouldn’t have been able to witness that this year. They are an amazing bunch of people. They give up the time for us. If you are thinking of supporting a charity, please, please, support this one.”
The Taxi Charity is appreciative of all the support it receives and we are very grateful to Sherbet, A&S Services, Whitford Taxis Hoddesdon and Ubiquitous for their contribution towards this trip.
The Taxi Charity’s work is made possible through donations and sponsorship. Their Ambassador Johnny Gallagjer and his great friend WWII veteran Dorotha Barron recently set up the’ Our Heroes Fund’ to helps finance these vital trips, and to create special memories and make dreams come true for the veterans they support.
For more information or to support the Taxi Charity, please visit www.taxicharity.org and to donate to the Our Heroes Fund visit www.justgiving.com/page/ourheroesfund
