Cadet Organization Police School (C.O.P.S.) 60th Anniversary of Liberation of Holland April 29th to May 9th 2005

Peel Regional Police and the Canadian Forces - Army Cadet Movement are long-time partners in developing the youth of our community through the Cadet Organization Police School (C.O.P.S.). Since 1974 approximately 7,400 youth between 12 and 18 years of age have successfully participated in the program, whose mandate is to develop youth into leaders within the community. At least 25 of these graduates have progressed to become active members of Peel Regional Police, while others have succeeded in different areas of the community.

C.O.P.S. has organized a trip for 23 selected Cadets and 10 volunteers to travel to Holland to celebrate the past sacrifices and accomplishments of the Canadian military, during the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. The Regional Municipality of Peel Police Services Board is proud to support C.O.P.S., and in addition to providing financial support for this trip, is pleased to have two Board members, Councillor Gael Miles and Ms. Cheryl Jamieson, accompanying the C.O.P.S. tour. Staff Superintendent T. Allen will also be joining the tour as the official representative of Peel Regional Police.

In May 2005 the Dutch will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland by the Allied forces. The liberation of Holland began with Operation Market Garden in September 1944. Allied forces liberated the southern part of Holland on September 26, 1944, but the offensive came to a standstill at Arnhem. After a bitter winter, the Allied forces, mainly Canadian soldiers, liberated the rest of Holland. The capitulation treaty was signed on May 5, 1945.

The C.O.P.S. tour will include some of the following highlights:

• Dieppe Canadian Cemetery
• Musee de Arbris
• Somme Battlefield
• Vimy Ridge
• Cabernet-Rouge British Cemetery
• Ypres Salient Battlefield
• John McCrae's Essex Farm & the "In Flanders Fields Museum"
• National Liberation Museum
• Remembrance Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery
• Ceremonies at Holten Canadian War Cemetery and participation in the Silent Walk with veterans from around the world
• Liberation Parade in Wageningen
• Memorial to the Royal Canadian Engineers
• Liberation festivities in Nijverdal
• Liberation parade in Apeldoorn

This will be an exciting and memorable trip - please check our website in mid-May, when we will be posting an article and pictures prepared by participants.

To obtain information on the C.O.P.S. organization, please contact Major Dave Kennedy, (905) 453-3311, ext. 3890.