Canadian participation in the world famous Nijmegen Marches
July 10, 2024
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Since 1952 Canadian military contingents have participated in the Nijmegen Marches (Internationale Vierdaagse Afstandsmarsen Nijmegen), a gruelling and prestigious event held in the Netherlands every year since 1909. This year, from July 15 to July 18 inclusive, a contingent of about 220 Canadian Forces (CF) members led by Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, commanding officer of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in London, U.K., will take part in the Nijmegen Marches.
The March is an event of big numbers and records: Canadian soldiers will only be a small part of the more than 44.000 participants. ‘This number does not include the fans and supporters cheering along the road’, said Ms Saskia de Lang, Chargé d’Affaires of The Netherlands Embassy, during the official send off of part of the Canadian contingent at the Canadian War Museum (Ottawa). ‘It is an understatement to say that Nijmegen and surroundings are a crowded place at that time of the year. At 90 years of age the oldest participant will walk for the 60th time. The youngest is not even 12 years old. The record holder participated 66 times. Thus, first time participants should be warned: there is a very serious risk of addiction.’
Blister Ball
Ms de Lang added: ‘For those who still have some strength left after four days of stamping on the long and winding roads of Nijmegen, there is the so-called Blister Ball (le Bal des Ampoules) where you can dance your blisters away.’
Remember
The participation of a CF contingent in the Nijmegen Marches demonstrates a dedication to remembering those Canadians who died liberating Holland. Ms. De Lang: ‘Beyond the physical performance and the festive atmosphere there is the special meaning of the Canadian participation. On its 3rd day the March includes a ceremony at Groesbeek, the military cemetery where too many young Canadians rest forever. Their own walk in life came to an untimely halt while fighting to liberate our country.’
Mr. Mark O’Neill, Director General of the Canadian War Museum, was Master of Ceremonies. Other speakers were Brigadier-General Mark McQuillan, Deputy Chief of Staff, ADM (MAT), Lt.-Gen (Ret’d) Charles Belzile, Honourary Grand President, Royal Canadian Legion, and Major Tom Norris, CD, Nijmegen Marchers Parade Commander. Lt-Gen. Charles Belzile stressed the bonds of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands: send off speech .
Nijmegen Marches
The annual Nijmegen Marches have involved Canadian participation since 1952. The military entrants are required to complete the four-day 160-km (4 x 40-km) march in combat uniform, carrying a minimum rucksack load of 10-kg. The event annually draws over 40,000 marchers from 50 different nations — and is witnessed by over 1 million spectators along the 160-km route. The Marches present both a challenging and an emotional experience, especially for Canadian Forces members. Challenging in that the 160-km Marches are the ultimate test of a CF member’s physical fitness and stamina in an event that requires effective teamwork and strong leadership. Most troops participating in this year’s march will have already completed between 800 and 1100 km in training.
OPERATION NIJMEGEN is the largest annual pilgrimage of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen to a war cemetery outside of Canada. During the Second World War, Canadian soldiers liberated the area around Nijmegen. There is a large Canadian military cemetery in nearby Groesbeek which serves as the final resting place for over 2300 Canadian soldiers and airmen. The cemetery is on the route of the 3rd day of the March and all military marchers halt there to pay their respects and conduct remembrance services.
This is the 11th year that the send-off ceremony has been held at the Canadian War Museum.
For more information, go to the official Nijmegen Marches website.
Still imagery of the Nijmegen Marches is available from Canadian Forces Combat Camera.