David Pratt & Associates are tremendously proud of senior DPA team member, Brigadier General (Ret’d) Peter Holt, for having completed his 26th Nijmegen March. The Nijmegen Marches are a set of four 40 km (or 30 km depending on age) marches that are completed over four consecutive days and take place in July each year around the Dutch City of Nijmegen. It is the largest multiple day marching event in the world and attracts up to 45,000 walkers. Since 1909, initiated as a military training event, the walk has grown to include civilians, veterans like Peter Holt, and serving military troops from around the world. As Peter says, it is truly a “Walk of the World” and a “Walk for Peace.” In 2022, there were over 78 nations marching, and the camaraderie is immense.
After two years of walking at home in Canada in the “virtual” walk, due to the global pandemic, Peter was thrilled to be able to travel to the Netherlands and join in person this year, his 26th march. Peter participated for the first time when he was with the Canadian brigade in Europe and was persuaded to march as part of his military duty. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to march again the following year, and after his third march, he was hooked. At first a marcher, then a team lead, then Canadian Military Contingent Commander, and now a marching veteran, Peter has participated in this walk through all stages of his career.
Peter marched this year with the Canadian Formation Europe team, a group of Canadian soldiers stationed in Europe, and was asked to present them with their medals. Marching with a Canadian flag is always a thrill for Peter, as Canadians are a favourite with the cheering crowds. One of the most memorable moments is on Day Three, when everyone passes by Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and stops to lay poppies and wreaths.
The entire team at DPA congratulates Peter Holt for his Nijmegen accomplishment and for the mental and physical discipline he displays every year as he trains for and participates in the march. Bravo Zulu, Peter!
Comments are closed.