By John Dunkelgrün
On Sunday, May 25th, the annual Memorial Day commemoration at Margraten took on a profound and poignant significance. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—a milestone underscored by the ongoing conflict that has erupted into the first full-scale war between European nations since that time. As we are continually confronted with shocking images of the war in Gaza, this occasion resonates even more deeply.
Margraten is the only American war cemetery in the Netherlands, one of just 26 in Europe. Within its solemn grounds lie the graves of 8,826 American soldiers, alongside a wall engraved with the names of 1,722 fallen heroes whose remains were never recovered. This sacred site is meticulously maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, embodying a profound respect for those who sacrificed everything for their country.
The village of Eijsden-Margraten holds the distinction of being the first Dutch community liberated on September 12, 1944. In the immediate aftermath of the fighting, fallen soldiers, including many Americans who died in subsequent battles in Germany, were laid to rest in temporary graves. The scale of the losses was so great that able-bodied residents of Margraten and the surrounding area were called upon to assist with the burials.
Among those involved was an American officer who entrusted Mr. Jef van Laar, a local resistance worker, with the care of his nephew’s grave. Inspired by this gesture, many other community members began to adopt and tend to specific graves, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility.
In February 1945, this grassroots initiative was formalized with the establishment of the Burger Comité Margraten USA Begraafplaats, aimed at ensuring that every grave was adopted by local families. Remarkably, even before Memorial Day 1946, all graves had been embraced by the community. Over time, the committee evolved into the Stichting Adoptie Graven Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten, continuing its vital mission of honoring and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. What is truly remarkable is that this deep sense of care has been passed down through generations. Families not only tend to the graves but also often maintain contact with the families of the fallen soldiers. Today, this noble work is carried on by third and even fourth generations.
The recent ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Mr. Marcus Micheli, and ambassadors from the U.K., Canada, New Zealand, Poland, and even Germany, among many others. All speakers emphasized that freedom is not for free; it requires dedication and, at times, sacrifice to uphold. There were heartfelt expressions of gratitude towards the United States for its role in liberating our country, acknowledging the bravery of young men who, sometimes having never even heard of the Netherlands, came to fight and, in far too many cases, gave their lives for our freedom.
However, a pressing question lingered in everyone’s mind: What would unfold today? The hesitation of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine, situated on the border of NATO countries and the European Union, has profoundly unsettled European nations, particularly those not affiliated with either of these blocs. Several speakers underscored the shared values that bind the United States and Europe, but one couldn’t help but wonder if this special bond is showing signs of strain.
The ceremony concluded with a poignant flyover featuring a WWII bomber, a Spitfire, and a formation of F-35s, executing a ‘Falling Away’ maneuver to honor fallen airmen.
