Andre Hissink turned 104 on Monday, and a parade of cars decorated in Canadian flags made the way to Carolina Retirement Living to thank the WWII pilot and wish him well.
Born in the Dutch Indies in 1919, his Dutch military service began in 1939.
After escaping in 1940 after the Germans stormed the Netherlands, he 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 support dual nationalities. A decision which incensed Hissink.
After 70 years and at 102-years-old, the day came where Hissink received an exemption in a ruling signed off by King Willem-Alexander himself.
He was grateful, but Hissink had one condition.
Hissink arrived in Canada several decades ago for work and considers himself a Canadian, and a man of Deutchland.
Written by Grant Deme
