Photos - Submitted by PT Maule - 16Mar2003

Courtesy of Sgt. Mel "Shorty" Lemarquand

Feestviering - (Celebration) - 1Sep1945

For further information on this event, see the March of the Prairie Men, page 62. - 3rd last paragraph

"Labour Day was celebrated by the huge "FEESTVIERING" sponsored by the 2nd Canadian Division at Soesterberg Airfield. Each soldier was allowed to bring a lady friend, with the battalion supplying the transportation. The festivities were officially opened by Lt.-Gen. Simonds, G.O.C.-in-C. Canadian Forces in the Netherlands. The affair was an enlargement on the Mardi-Gras held in Germany. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, cokes, coffee were a delight to the thousands of civilians and soldiers alike. U.S. Army softball and hardball teams played exhibition games. The parade of floats, including the unit's elevator float was a huge success. There were many games of chance, movies, girl shows, side-show exhibitions and some civilian acts. The horse racing and horse jumping attractions included entries from the S.Sask.R. with L/Corporals Lcokhard, Haynes, Mann and Litzgus participating. After the evening meal the dance pavilons opened with each regiment having its own floow, and the fun continued until a late hour. It was estimated that over 60,000 people had jammed into the "Feestviering." It was the largest and finest social affair ever put on by the Canadian Army."

The photos were taken by Pte. Steve Yakubowich.

Commemorative Card - Leusden, Holland, 15Sep1945 - Cover

Commemorative Card- Leusden, Holland, 15Sep1945 - Inside

Commemorative Card- Leusden, Holland, 15Sep1945 - Menu

Commemorative Card- Leusden, Holland, 15Sep1945 - Autographs of those present

Commemorative Card - Dieppe Raid - Hilversum, Holland, 19Aug1945 - Cover

Commemorative Card - Dieppe Raid - Hilversum, Holland, 19Aug1945 - Inside

Commemorative Card - Lt. Col. V. Stott - Leusden, Holland 15Sep1945 - Cover

Commemorative Card - Lt. Col. V. Stott - Leusden, Holland 15Sep1945 - inside

Commemorative Card - Lt. Col. V. Stott - Leusden, Holland 15Sep1945 - Cover

Commemorative Card WO's & SGT's - Cover - Leusden, Holland 15Sep1945

Commemorative Card - Leusden - Programme

Commemorative Card - Leusden - Menu

Commemorative Card - Leusden - Autographs of those present

Sgt. Mel Shorty LeMarquand, MM - "After a night on patrol. Note condition of clothes. 1944, Nov or Dec. 17 Platoon & Coy. Photo by Steve.

Sgt. Mel Shorty LeMarquand, MM - Vimy Ridge WWI Canadian Memorial