As we head towards our future, it's easy to forget all that’s happened in the past. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way of taking time to remember our ancestors, and all they did for us. Neerlandia, however, has no problem diving head first into the past to celebrate in the present.
Small as it is, Neerlandia sure knows how to put on a big celebration. The grounds at Neerlandia Public Christian school were filled with people over the weekend as people gathered for the centennial. Some were dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, others more extravagantly in traditional Dutch attire. Some in sandals, some in runners, others in wooden shoes.
But the importance of the celebration didn't lie in the bouncy castles and birthday cake. It wasn't in the tents filled with talented art and woodwork. It wasn't in the horse-drawn hay rides, tractor pulls, or free pancake breakfast.
The reason people came was to celebrate history. It was about family and faith. About remembering the individuals who ventured into the unknown to make a new start. It was about honouring the determination of those few so long ago.
Without them, Neerlandia would not be what it is today. Neerlandia may not be here at all.
The crowd was thick with excitement as everyone headed towards the opening ceremonies. Chairs quickly filled up, and Dennis Nanninga took to the stage as master of ceremonies. Let the remembrance begin.
It wasn't only residents of Neerlandia who joined together for the event. MLA Maureen Kubinec was more than happy to speak to the crowd, and could relate to the happiness Neerlandia was basking in. She shared that her own family had a personal celebration this year, as her ancestors came over from Scotland to New York 100 years ago.
Reeve Bill Lee, broken ankle and all, congratulated the hamlet on their centennial.
"You're not 100 years old," he said to the crowd. "But 100 years strong."
Mayor Brian Schulz expressed just how proud of the hamlet he was, and said he considered the hamlet a friendly neighbour to Barrhead.
Of course, what would a birthday celebration be without the singing of Happy Birthday?
From the little ones who were more preoccupied with the balloon they held in their tiny hands, to the elders that have been in Neerlandia for nearly 100 years themselves, it was quite a sight to see and hear as everyone began to sing.
When the last note of the song ceased, fingers that held so tightly to a string finally loosened and the balloons were free. Soon the sky was filled with red, white, and blue circles. The crowd watched through squinted eyes as the balloons floated lazily among the white puffy clouds, until they were but specks in a vast sea of blue. The balloons may have faded out of sight, but the memories will remain strong.
Neerlandia will make sure of that.
