Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 10/05) - It's the tearful memories of war veterans that will stay with Amanda White.

"When we read textbooks you get numbers and facts, you don't get the personal stories," said White, a Yellowknife student recently returned from V-E Day celebrations in the Netherlands.

The Grade 12 St. Pat's student was chosen through the Encounters with Canada, History and Remembrance program to experience V-E Day observances across the Netherlands.

"It was absolutely amazing," she said.

"I got a lot of friendships out of it and understanding that will last a lifetime."

Highlights of the nine-day visit included a parade in Apeldoorn attended by more than 300,000 people.

She also attended a big band dance where youth and veterans shared the dance floor.

The youth also participated in a private wreath laying ceremony and visited a concentration camp and spoke to a survivor.

During the stay, White said Dutch veterans talked to the students about their wartime experiences.

Many veterans were open and willing to share their stories, and White said it was very touching to hear their tearful wartime memories.

The veterans were very excited about the youth arriving and thought the trip was a good idea, she added.

"It was amazing to see the participation of the Dutch in all of the ceremonies," she said.

"They had a lot of youth participating. So they see the importance of carrying the torch and passing it on."

More involved

Back in Canada, White said people, especially youth, should become more involved in Remembrance Day ceremonies and with veterans.

"You can volunteer at the Aven Centre and just talk to them about their lives," she said.

"You'll be surprised at what you hear."