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Burlington, Ont.—April 24, 2025 – The City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee is inviting the community to take part in two free events to celebrate our city’s friendships with its twin cities — Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan. Events this year will mark two significant milestones — 20 years of twinning with Apeldoorn, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Apeldoorn by Canadian soldiers at the end of the Second World War.
Apeldoorn anniversary events
Official City of Burlington delegation to Apeldoorn - Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6
An official City of Burlington delegation — including representatives from the Mundialization Committee, Mayor Meed Ward, and senior City staff — will participate in commemorative events and ceremonies marking the liberation of the Netherlands and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The delegation will join a remembrance ceremony at the Canadian war cemetery and take part in a silent walk to Oranjepark on May 4, followed by the Freedom Parade on May 5.
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day - Saturday, May 24
10 – 11:30 a.m. - Event
11:30 a.m. - Reception
LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E.
This free event, open to the public, will mark the 20th anniversary of Burlington’s twinning with Apeldoorn — a friendship rooted in a shared history, remembrance and the promotion of peace.
Features of the free event include:
- Welcome messages from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Mr. Harman Idema, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier and Past Chair, WSIB
- Performances by the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Enchorus Children’s Choir
- A special exhibit of artwork created by Burlington and Apeldoorn elementary school students
More information is available at burlington.ca/CNFD.
Itabashi, Japan events
Sakura Festival – Saturday, May 10
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre (Family Lobby), 440 Locust St.
Celebrate the spring arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms and Burlington’s 36-year friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan.
Features of this free event include:
- Performances by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group and internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
- Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
- Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
- Yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto
More information is available at burlington.ca/Sakura.
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Quote
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“We are incredibly fortunate to have residents who champion the spirit of mundialization in our city. Many of these dedicated individuals, including those who experienced the Second World War firsthand in Europe, are committed to building a more peaceful world through their work on the Mundialization Committee. Burlington’s treasured friendships with Apeldoorn and Itabashi open doors to rich cultural exchange, helping us see the world through a broader lens. These connections foster empathy, understanding, and a shared commitment to remembering history—and ensuring we don’t repeat its mistakes. I invite our community to take part in one or both of this May’s events and celebrate the profound power of international friendship.”
Links and Resources
- Learn more about Canada Netherlands Friendship Day at burlington.ca/CNFD.
- Learn more about the Sakura Festival at burlington.ca/Sakura.
- More information about the City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee can be found at burlington.ca/mund.
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