Community celebrates WWII veteran André Hissink’s 104th birthday with drive-by parade

Hissink shakes hands with a citizen. (R) Lieutenant-Colonel Mark de Wit to the Kingdom of Netherlands (L) Annabel Eva de Wit, Junior Policy Officer to the Kingdom of Netherlands

André Hissink turned 104 on Monday, and a parade of cars decorated in Canadian flags made their way to Carolina Retirement Living from Conlon Farm in Perth to thank the WWII pilot and wish him well.

It was an act of appreciation organized by Sue Doran and the Honour Our Veterans Banner Program.

Doran later informed Hissink he will be getting his own banner to be hung proudly among the other local veterans around Perth as part of the Pathway of Heroes in September.

Born in the Dutch Indies in 1919, Hissink’s Dutch military service began in 1939.

After escaping in 1940 after the Germans stormed the Netherlands, he fought alongside the British in the 320 Dutch Squadron.

Hissink saw 69 war flights as a bomber in that time, including having to parachute to safety after being shot down by German forces during one run.

He lost his Dutch citizenship after accepting post-war employment in New Zealand, as the Netherlands government rarely supports dual nationalities. A decision which incensed Hissink.

Hissink arrived in Canada decades ago for work and continued to fight to reclaim his Dutch citizenship for 70 years.

Shortly before his 103rd birthday, the day came last year where Hissink received an exemption in a ruling signed off by King Willem-Alexander himself, and he was a Dutch citizen once again.

He was grateful, but Hissink had one condition.

Listen to the full conversation with Hissink below.

Story by Grant Deme

Hissink learns he is getting his own veterans banner. (L) Lt. Col Mark de Wit to the Kingdom of Netherlands (R) Annabel Eva de Wit, Junior Policy Officer to the Kingdom of Netherlands.