LOCAL former professional opera singer has been invited to sing in honour of his uncle for the anniversary of the Second World War and the liberation of Arnhem.

William Mackie, also known as Bill, was contacted by Maikel Slotboom in his role as a chairman of the committee organising this commemoration, he is also a Volunteer Researcher at “Faces to Graves” for the Canadian war cemetery at Groesbeek and Maikel Slotboom who is arranging this event has invited Bill to take part in to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the release of Arnhem.

The operation that liberated Arnhem was called Operation Anger which Norman was part of and the operation he died in was Operation Dutch Cleanser.

The Commemoration ceremonies will take place in and around Arnhem from April 12 until May 5 to commemorate the liberation of the city and surrounding areas eighty years ago.

Bill’s uncle died on his way to the town of Ede, and Bill has been invited to attend along with other members of his family from Scotland to attend the commemoration.

Norman Mackie has the inscription of poet Robert Burns poem “Man Was Made to Mourn, “Mans inhumanity to man, make’s countless thousands mourn” on his headstone. Burns was from Scotland in Ayr which was Norman Mackie’s hometown and was widely considered as the national poet in Scotland.

Although Bill and his family never had the chance to meet their uncle, they will be honoured to attend this commemoration on behalf of their father and grandfather who suffered this terrible loss.

In this commemoration the soldiers who fought will be remembered for their honour and bravery for their heroic acts that they served for the country's freedom.