World War 2 veterans honoured by thousands of Dutch people as country celebrates Liberation Day

Eleven British World War Two veterans are being honoured in the Netherlands today, as part of the country's Liberation Day celebrations.

Approximately 100,000 Dutch people are expected to line the streets of Wageningen in a parade today, to say thank you to the British veterans for their role in helping to liberate the country from Nazi occupation.

The 11 World War Two veterans have been brought to the Netherlands from the UK by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

They received presidential treatment upon their arrival, receiving a special motorcade usually only reserved for VIPs.

One of the veterans on the trip is 100-year-old Paul Terry, who served in the Netherlands during the war and helped to liberate the country from the Nazis.

He now also wears his twin brother’s war medals on his chest, who also served in the Netherlands.

Mr Terry emotionally told GB News: "He has unfortunately now passed away… and it’s like he’s here with me and he’s here now…

"He would have loved this."

Alfred Cooley is another World War 2 veteran who travelled to the Netherlands today. He turned 100 just 4 days ago.

He told GB News he feels it’s a shame veterans don’t get the same reception in the UK.

“We don’t have anything like this in [Britain]… the only time we have anything like this is for the King and Queen, not for us veterans,” Mr Cooley said.

The Dutch Liberation Day celebrations began at midnight in Wageningen, 81 years after the Germans signed the capitulation here, officially retreating from the Netherlands.

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At midnight, a flame of liberation was lit by 103-year-old British World War 2 veteran Robbie Hall.

She told GB News she felt honoured to be chosen to light the flame.

“It’s a great, great honour as far as I’m concerned. Because you’re lighting the flame of freedom in memory of all those who lost their lives to give us freedom because they were all so young,” Ms Hall told GB News.

Dick Goodwin, the Vice President of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, told GB News they’ve been bringing veterans here since 2012.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to bring our veterans to commemorate Dutch liberation with the Dutch people. We will carry on doing it for as long as we can and while we’ve got veterans to bring with us,” Mr Goodwin said.

One of the London cab drivers, who drove the veterans from the UK to Holland, said it was a privilege to make this trip with them.

Darren Parr told GB News: “It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to drive the veterans around.

“If we as London taxi drivers can give just a little bit back to those who gave so much, it’s absolutely fantastic.“