They were greeted with flowers and cheers

Dutch shower Canadian veterans with flowers, cheers during VE Day parade

It's a debt they insist can never be repaid, but thousands of grateful Dutch residents offered their Canadian liberators flowers, oranges, beer and kisses on Sunday during a parade billed as the last big "Thank You."

More than 200,000 people - families representing three generations and some who drove for hours - braved frequent downpours to cheer on the 1,500 Canadian war veterans who basked proudly in the adoration. Young children rushed to slap hands with the veterans with a fervour normally reserved for pop stars and sports heroes

[...]

Overhead, planes dating back to the war flew past, the drone from their propeller-driven engines briefly drowning out the cheers and the drums, bagpipes and marching music from some 20 bands accompanying soldiers, veterans and RCMP officers in red serge uniforms taking part in the parade.

In stark contrast THIS was the scene during Bush's recent visit to the Netherlands.

Bush to visit cemetery on VE Day

While the Dutch remain grateful for America's World War II sacrifices, Bush's 16-hour visit is being marred by protests over the current war in Iraq, to which the Netherlands contributed 1,400 troops for 18 months until last March.

A poll taken on the eve of Bush's visit said nearly one-third of those asked would have preferred that Bush not come to the Netherlands.

Dutch police and armed forces were deploying 3,000 troops on security detail for the visit, while NATO surveillance aircraft monitor events from overhead.

Quite a different reception don't ya think? I guess the Dutch like the Iraqi's before them, didn't get the memo.

Feel the love George, feel the love.

IA