The 2025 Legion Nationals gold, silver and bronze medals presented to the top young athletes at the Calgary games, visually commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. The image found on the reverse side of the medals represents this year’s competition’s theme.
Legion National Headquarters graphic artist Karen Taylor-Lopez designed the scene based on a photograph from the National Archives of the Netherlands collection. She chose to work with this photo because, “it captured the joy and hope of that time so well”.
The liberation of the Netherlands took place from September 1944 to April 1945 and was key to ending the Second World War. The First Canadian Army played a major role in the liberation campaign. Over 7,600 Canadians died during the operation.
Understanding sacrifice and showing gratitude for the members of our Canadian Armed Forces is an integral part of these games. This year, we remember those who served and gave their lives as part of the liberation of the Netherlands.
As an ongoing symbol of deep gratitude, thousands of tulips are sent from the Netherlands to Ottawa each year, and they are displayed as part of the Canadian Tulip Festival.