On July 3 1970, the Dutch Canadian community of Goderich and surrounding area presented a fountain to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation during the Second World War, and to honour the Canadian soldiers who made it possible. The fountain was built by area residents of Dutch ancestry.
On May 24, 1985, the Dutch community replaced the old fountain with a new, larger one to commemorate the 40th anniversary and to say "Thank You Canada!". In 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, the Dutch Canadian Community again said "Thank You Canada" by replacing the existing fountain with a new one. It is larger than its predecessor and the hope is that it will even better express the gratitude and joy associated with this event.
The fountain consists of a circular, slightly dished concrete pad with a central water jet. Surrounding this are five petal points of a tulip, an emblem of Holland, and a circle of people with outstretched arms and joining hands. These figures are meant to evoke a sense of brotherhood, celebration, freedom, liberation and hope; renewal is symbolized by the jets of water in summer and ice patterns that are formed in the winter.
The dedication was held on Saturday, May 20, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. The parade was formed at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109. This is a Zone C-1 parade of mass colours. The parade proceeded to the memorial for a Service and then to Memorial Park for the Dedication. Music was performed by the Goderich Laketown Band, the Elgin Military Band of St. Thomas and the Seaforth Girls Band. It was a very festive day with a buffet being hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 following the Service.
