Frank Graham Cycle Liberation Tour

Chester Graham offered his thanks for the hospitality.  He said his father had been to 10 of the annual commemorations of the liberation of Holland which took place 67 years ago.  The latest trip, with his family, was for the 65th and Chester said he'd been overwhelmed by the level of love and respect the Dutch have for the Canadian vets.  He was touched every day he was there.  On the trips his father has taken he's always stayed with the same family and the two families are close - 5 came from Holland for Frank's 90th.

Members of that family are organizing an opportunity for 25 youth - 18 to 25 - from Canada and another 25 from Holland to cycle from Juno Beach 700 kms past several memorials and battle grounds marking events in the First and Second Wars to Holland in time for the next annual commemoration next May.  There will be 10 chaperones and they will stay in hostels or camp and they will be billeted in Holland.  The participants will travel at their own expense.  Chester's brother Lloyd is helping with recruitment and they have several committed to the trip already.  The trip has been named in Frank Graham's honour.

Chester had a slide show that highlighted some of Frank's visits to Holland and features of the cycle trip.  The hope is that the project will grow to include more participants every year and some pipe band members have expressed interest.  The bikes are being sponsored by a Dutch company and there is a website - www.cycleliberationtour.nl.  It is scheduled to run between the 22nd and the 29th of April which, Chester admits, is problematic for students due to course requirements but some have made accommodation. 

Frank's not riding.  The trip includes visits to Vimy, Dieppe and Niemagen.  Chester has made a request to the Board for support to help defray some of the participant's expenses and thanked the Club for its consideration.

Ron thanked Chester and the Veterans in attendance.