A group of eighty kind-hearted London taxi drivers gave up their May bank holiday weekend to take 160 World War 2 veterans on an emotional visit to Arnhem in Holland to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dutch Liberation.
With the help of generous donations from the National Lottery and the Royal British Legion, the £120,000 excursion was organised by non-profit organisation, The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled (Taxi Charity).
Taxi Charity, vice president Dick Goodwin, said: “The trip has been very, very emotional.
“Everyone knows someone in one of the cemeteries. To me they’re names, but to them they’re mates.”
Warm Welcome
The Taxi Charity has organised a veterans day out in Worthing every year since 1948 but the visit to The Netherlands is its largest event to date.
The use of the London cabs, fuel costs and loss of earnings whilst being off the road was covered by the magnificent cabbies themselves.
“The Dutch love our veterans – there’s a great sense of comradeship.”
Dutch officials warmly welcomed the veterans to Holland and arranged for them to visit veteran homes in Arnhem with a chance to lay wreathes at the graves of fallen friends.
Trip of a Lifetime
The voyage was even more treasured as many of the war heroes thought they might never be able to return to Holland and be reunited with their fellow veterans.
Mr Goodwin commented: “Some of the guys have never been back before so that’s very moving. The Dutch love our veterans – there’s a great sense of comradeship.”
Mr Goodwin also thanked Stena Line for its generosity with discounted fares.
If you would like to find out more about the wonderful work that Taxi Charity does or to get involved in future outings please click here.