On Memorial Day, there is a service conducted by a rabbi, a priest and several ministers at The Netherlands-American World War II Cemetery in Margraten. The Honorable Marja Verloop, the US Chargé d’Affaires and AWC Honorary President, will share her thoughts as will the King’s Commissioner and a high ranking member of the military, then the Wreath-Laying Ceremony begins. This year, the wreath-layer for OAR, Overseas Americans Remember, is Lt. Col. (ret) Sherman McGrew, a recipient of the Bronze Star and a two-time veteran of Iraq. OAR is also honored to sponsor a wreath for the Timberwolves who helped liberate the southern Netherlands. Major (ret) Gilbert Riboni, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, will lay the wreath for the Timberwolves.
After the wreath-laying, the Dutch Air Force pays tribute with a flyover: the Lost Airman formation. Four F-16s will streak across the blue sky, over the Crosses and Stars of David. One will break away and climb and climb before disappearing into what seems like forever.
Each for his own memorial earned praise that will never die
and with it the grandest of all sepulchers,
not that in which his mortal bones are laid, but a home in the minds of men.
Come to Margraten this Memorial Day. You will never forget it.
For further information, contact Roberta Enschede at oarinnl@yahoo.com.