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The Legion is pleased to introduce a second participant in this year’s Nijmegen March in the Netherlands this summer. David Anderson of Branch #176 in Forest, ON will make the journey in late July alongside previously named Ryan Ference of Saskatchewan.

“I was delighted,” he says, after finding out he will be part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) team. David was originally the Legion’s alternate participant and took his role seriously, training and staying in shape in case he was asked to fill in. The CAF invited Anderson to join their team as a second Legion representative, as a way of further thanking the organization for its history of support. The Legion sponsors the team’s visit to Vimy Ridge while in Europe each year.

Participating in the event is particularly meaningful for David whose late father served in that part of the world as a combat engineer during the Second World War. He heard many related stories from his dad over the years. “These roads that we’ll be walking on, are the same roads my Dad patrolled as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers", he says. “I have a personal connection to that area.”

In the days leading up to the event, David will continue with the difficult training necessary to prepare for four days of walking more than 40 km each day with a 10 kg backpack. He says he’s looking forward to showing his gratitude to those who have served, and finds the physical and emotional challenge “irresistible.”

A retired Captain, David served as a reserve armour officer, and staff officer –  spending 28 years in the CAF including two tours in Afghanistan. David says he is honoured to represent the Legion, where he has been a member for many years and helps with fundraising and organization of his city’s local parade on Remembrance Day among other duties.

Close to fifty thousand military members and civilians combined, take part in the Nijmegen March every year. To learn more, please visit: https://www.4daagse.nl/en/