75th Memorial Day in Margraten to be observed May 26
MARGRATEN, the Netherlands – The annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten will be held Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 15:00. This ceremony has been a U.S. and Dutch tradition since May 1945. As thousands usually attend the event, the public is encouraged to arrive between 13:00 and 14:00 to find parking and seating.
This 75th Memorial Day service will feature Dutch and American guest speakers and the laying of wreaths by numerous national delegations to honor the sacrifices of American service members in World War II.
The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is the only American cemetery of its kind in the Netherlands. The southern part of the Province of Limburg was liberated exclusively by U.S. forces in September 1944. Originally a resting place for over 18,000 American war dead, 8,301 Americans remain buried in the Margraten cemetery today.
While the Dutch observe their Memorial Day May 4 and Liberation Day May 5, this ceremony observes the U.S. Memorial Day to pay tribute to U.S. military service members who fought and died in the pursuit of liberty and freedom.
The Memorial Day ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten is open to the public and seating is first-come first-served. For more information and free seating tickets, contact the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten at 0031-(0)43-4581208 or the United States Army Garrison Benelux (Schinnen) Public Affairs Office at 0031-(0)46-4437331.
Netherlands American Cemetery is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). ABMC is a U.S. government agency charged with commemorating the service, achievements, and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces where they have served overseas since 1923. ABMC administers our nation’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and federal memorials. For more information visit www.abmc.gov.
