'New' plaque at Veterans Park memorializes local 'rock star' and town's bond with Netherlands - EUROPE SAYS
Midland veteran Frank Graham ‘went into our schools, talked to our children and attended all of our remembrance ceremonies,’ says visitor from MarkeloThe haunting sound of bagpipes echoed across Veterans. . .
Midland veteran Frank Graham ‘went into our schools, talked to our children and attended all of our remembrance ceremonies,’ says visitor from MarkeloThe haunting sound of bagpipes echoed across Veterans Waterfront Park Thursday afternoon as residents, veterans and dignitaries gathered to unveil a replacement plaque celebrating the enduring friendship between Midland and the eastern Netherlands community of Markelo — a bond forged during the final days of the Second World War and strengthened through generations of remembrance. Members of the Midland Branch 80 Pipes and Drums led the ceremony, which drew Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, Mayor Bill Gordon, former Midland mayor Gord McKay, members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80, veterans and residents. Also attending were Gert-Jan and Angelique Oplaat, who travelled from the Netherlands to personally deliver the newly crafted plaque. The story of the plaque began in April 2017 when the Canada Committee of Markelo unveiled a commemorative plaque in the town square honouring the Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Designed by committee member Femke Matthijssen, the plaque serves as a lasting symbol of gratitude for the many Canadian soldiers who fought for Dutch freedom, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Recognizing the deep connection between Markelo and Midland through Second World War veteran Frank Graham, the committee commissioned an identical plaque for the Town of Midland as a continuing symbol of friendship between the two communities and a reminder of the horrors of war that should never be repeated. Presented to the Graham family in 2017 and installed at Veterans Waterfront Park in 2018, the original plaque eventually succumbed to Ontario’s harsh weather. The Canada Committee of Markelo commissioned an identical replacement, delivered by Gert-Jan and Angelique Oplaat for Thursday’s re-dedication. “I’m from the small town of Markelo,” said Oplaat. “We’re very close to Frank Graham’s family. Frank came to Markelo many times, and in our town he became like a rock star. ”Oplaat said Graham’s popularity stemmed not only from his wartime service, but from the lessons he shared with Dutch children. “He went into our schools, talked to our children and attended all of our remembrance ceremonies,” Oplaat said. “One of the first questions the children would ask was, ‘Do you hate Germans?’ Frank always said, ‘No. You cannot hate Germans. Only the Nazis. It was a bad system. '”Affectionately known in Markelo as “Mr. Veteran Markelo,” Graham became a beloved ambassador between Canada and the Netherlands through decades of return visits following the war. His friendships with local families inspired the Frank Graham Cycle Liberation Tour, an educational cycling program that continues introducing Canadian and Dutch participants to the shared history of liberation. The replacement plaque unveiled Thursday carries the same message as its Dutch counterpart. Inscribed with the words “Lest We Forget,” it honours the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands while reminding future generations that freedom came at a tremendous cost. Speaking during the ceremony, dignitaries reflected on the importance of preserving the relationship between the two communities and ensuring younger generations continue learning the stories behind Canada’s role in liberating the Netherlands. More than 80 years after Canadian soldiers helped liberate the Netherlands, the people of Markelo continue to honour their sacrifice, ensuring the legacy of Frank Graham and thousands of his fellow veterans endures through remembrance, education and the enduring friendship between the two communities.