Russ and I went to the Memorial Day Ceremony at the American cemetery in
Margraten, The Netherlands, yesterday. This area was liberated by American troops in September of 1944. Two months later, the Dutch government dedicated this land to our Army to be used as a cemetery for American troops who were killed in action in Germany.
There are 8,301 men and women buried here. They served in the Air Force and Army. 40 sets of brothers are buried here. 106 unknown soldiers. All of these men and women came to Europe to fight for someone
else's freedom. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for people that they had never met.
This is the mirror pond in the Memorial Square. In the base of the tower is the chapel.
At the foot of the tower is the bronze statute of a grieving woman. She stands next to a tree that was destroyed by war, but from which new life still emerges.
Behind the tower, are the graves. There are soldiers from every state in the United States. If you think that they locals don't appreciate the sacrifices that these troops made for them, then you are mistaken. As the men and women were buried here, their graves were adopted by local families. These people didn't know the service member in life, but they keep his or her memory alive now. They tend to the graves: pulling weeds, cleaning the crosses, and bringing fresh flowers. They tell their children stories about the war, and the sacrifices that these soldiers and airmen made for them. They make sure that they don't take their freedom for granted. When they grow too old to take care of the grave properly, they pass is on to their children. They consider this not a burden, but an honor. There is a very long waiting list to adopt a grave here. These men and women will never be alone.
It was not the best of weather for a ceremony. It alternated between mist and driving rain, but the people still came out to show their respect. They came from all over Europe, and the United States. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands attended, as well as Dignitaries from Belgium and France.
Some of our Airmen from
Kleine Brogel took part in the ceremony. They stood at attention for hours in the pouring rain, and helped carry wreaths during the presentations. They made us very proud.
Try to take a little time today to remember those who died for you, so that you have the freedom you have today. If a Dutch family can devote a lifetime to the care of one of these airmen or soldiers who died for our freedom, then you can take a few minutes out from that barbecue with the neighbors to send a silent "Thank You" to them as well. I'm just saying.
Today was the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. Unlike last year, the weather was a perfect tribute to the young men and women who gave their lives so that others could be free.
There are 8,301 American soldiers and airmen buried here. They died while fighting for the freedom of others during WWII. They died trying to make a better life for people they had never even met.
Don't think for one minute that the locals here don't appreciate their ultimate sacrifice. Every one of these graves has been adopted by a local family. They care for it, visit it, and put fresh flowers on it. This responsibility is passed down through the generations. It's not a burden. The consider it an honor to do something so simple for someone who did everything for them.
One of the speakers shared a story of how a family took apart a blanket in order to make a yellow ribbon to put upon one of the graves. Times were hard, and any fabric was hard to come by.
Memorial Day isn't just a day that you have off to grill out in the backyard. Take time to think about all of those who have given their lives for the freedom of others. People talk about their freedom and what's owed to them, but your Freedom isn't free. Someone else has paid the ultimate price for you. Others are serving in the military now and are fighting for your freedom every day. The least you can do it thank them for it.
"I guess heaven was needing a hero. Somebody just like you. Brave enough to stand up for what you believe and follow it through."
