Twenty members of the Halton Regional Police Service Pipes & Drums will be travelling to Apeldoorn, Netherlands, from April 11 to 19, to participate in several special events and engagements honouring the historic April 1945 liberation of the city by Canadian Troops, led in part by the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
 
This special week marks an historic Dutch-Canadian undertaking to honour Canada’s fallen heroes who gave their lives to help liberate the Netherlands.
 
Most notably, the HRPS Pipes & Drums will march over the John Frost Bridge at Arnhem, featured in the historic WWII book and movie, “A Bridge Too Far,” which recounts the Allied forces attempts to break through German lines at several bridges in the Netherlands, as part of a special ceremony.
 
“We expect to have a busy week, with five formal performances and several other engagements as well,” said Pipe Major Allan Eaton.  “Our band members are excited about this chance to interact with our Dutch colleagues, and to share the good will of police officers, Canadian soldiers, and indeed all Canadians.”
 
Eaton explained that the City of Burlington in the Region of Halton is ‘twinned’ with the City of Apeldoorn in the Netherlands.  This allegiance dates back to April, 1945 when the City of Apeldoorn was liberated by Canadian Troops, led in large part by the 48th Highlanders of Canada.
 
As a living tribute to the liberation of the Dutch city and the loss Canadian life, the 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes & Drums was founded in 1991. Ceremonies are held each April in Apeldoorn to commemorate the liberation.
 
In November 2011, the 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes & Drums were invited to Canada where they performed a series of concerts and Remembrance Day parades in Burlington and the surrounding area. As a token of appreciation, the 48th Highlanders Band extended an invitation to the Halton Police Pipes & Drums to participate in the annual Liberation Day ceremonies in Apeldoorn in April 2012.
 
“This invitation is an honour and unprecedented opportunity for the Halton Regional Police Service and its band to gain exposure on a world stage as a representative not only of policing but of all proud Canadians,” said Eaton.
 
The Halton Regional Police Service Pipes & Drums is comprised of civilian volunteers and serving police officers.  As ambassadors of policing and representatives of the Chief and the Service, members of the band devote countless hours of personal time to practice and perform at more than 40 local, regional and national events each year. 
 
The band raises its operating money through fund raising initiatives as well as charging modest fees in some instances for appearances. Founded in September, 1987, the Band will proudly celebrate its Silver Anniversary in 2012.