May 2013 at the Canadian War Museum

April 26, 2013

Vintage cavalcade at Tulip Festival
May 3

The Canadian Tulip Festival opens on May 3 with a commemorative procession of vintage military vehicles and classic autos, including a “HUP” Command Car from the Canadian War Museum. The procession will leave from Dow’s Lake Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. and follow Queen Elizabeth Drive to arrive at City Hall by noon. The procession will then remain on display to the public during the Tulip Festival’s opening ceremonies. Look for dignitaries and local celebrities on board the vehicles waving greetings to all.

Friendship
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lobby

Learn about the origins of tulips in the nation’s capital, and Canada’s role in sheltering members of the Dutch Royal Family and in liberating the Netherlands in the Second World War. In the spirit of friendship, make a beaded zipper pull in the colours of the Canadian and Dutch flags, and create a friendship card.

Sussie’s Coat
May 4–20
Lobby

A kind gesture by Canadian gunner Robert Elliott in the Second World War, to a 10-year-old Dutch girl named Everdina (“Sussie”) Cretier, turned into a beautiful love story that endures today. Come see the coat that symbolizes the national and personal bonds arising from Canada’s liberation of the Netherlands in the Second World War.

Movie: 55 Socks
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20
Runs continuously from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lobby

Beautifully rendered animation by Co Hoedeman is used to tell the true story of a group of ingenious Dutch women who, during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the Second World War, unravelled a bedspread for the material to knit badly needed socks.

In partnership with the National Film Board.

Second World War Kit
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20
10 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Gallery 3

Discover the clothing worn and the equipment used by Canadian soldiers who participated in the Normandy Invasion and the liberation of the Netherlands in 1944-45.

90 Years of Service
May 12
2 to 4 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a concert by the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Falkland Military Band and Stittsville’s Main and Abbott Dance Band.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Falkland Military Band is composed of some of the top sea cadet musicians in the country. Under the direction of Joel Xavier, Sea Cadet and Frank Martens, Main and Abbott, the program will feature a wide variety of styles from “The Great Gate of Kiev” by Modest Mussorgsky to “Fireflies” by Adam Young and Owl City.

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to an afternoon of great entertainment.

Tank Talks
May 16
6:30 p.m.
LeBreton Gallery

It took 15 years and over 5,000 hours to restore the M1917 tank to near original condition, and it is now a proud addition to the Canadian War Museum’s collection and part of the LeBreton Gallery.

Find out what it took to restore the M1917, and the steps involved in completing its restoration. The event will feature Major (Retired) Don Allen, BA, CD, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), who will present the historical significance of the tank and Tony Glen, Director, Collections Management, Planning and Programs at the Museum, who will discuss the acquisition and restoration process.

This talk is presented by the Friends of the Canadian War Museum and will be in English only.

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Media contacts:

Avra Gibbs Lamey
Communications and Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8607
avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca 
Yasmine Mingay
Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8608
yasmine.mingay@warmuseum.ca