Documentary on African Nova Scotian Veteran is Screened

A journey for one African Nova Scotian Second World War veteran that began 60 years ago will come full circle this week.

Arnold Johnson Sr. is one of a handful of African Canadian soldiers who helped liberate Holland from the Germans in 1945. He had not returned to Amsterdam since then. During the Year of the Veteran, he missed out on travelling to Holland with the larger delegation that attended the anniversary celebrations in May 2005.

"Dad wanted to go but kept this to himself until after the celebrations," explained son Al Johnson. "I mentioned this to our member of Parliament, Peter Stoffer, and he brought it up when he was interviewed on a local news program."

Hearing the story, a representative from the Holland-based financial institution ING Direct, offered to send the Second World War veteran to Holland.

In June 2005, the 80-year-old, North Preston native and his two sons, Allistar Johnson and Arnold (Mark) Johnson Jr., left Halifax for a one-week visit to Holland.

Mr. Johnson's granddaughter, an independent filmmaker, and communications advisor for the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, followed to record the journey; the result is the half-hour documentary, Holland Remembered.

"This trip took place in June 2005 and was all about Dad," said Allistar. "It's for Dad but it's Dad's gift to his future generations."

"I'm glad we were able to document the trip for our kids and grandkids", said Mark. "Dad's 80 years old and they will be able to look at this and say we were there with our father. I'm really pleased that it all happened."

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs is hosting a screening of the documentary at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax.

Holland Remembered will also debut on CBC Television in the spring of 2006.