DALLAS (AP) — For June West Brandt, the memory of her brother, who perished in World War II, never fades. Recently, she was delighted to learn he is also commemorated by a couple from the Netherlands who visit his grave routinely.
Brandt, now 93 and residing near Houston, expressed her joy at the care shown for her brother’s memory. Her connection with Dutch citizens Lisa and Guido Meijers was facilitated by a new initiative designed to strengthen ties between families of fallen soldiers and the Dutch people who adopt their graves at the Netherlands American Cemetery.
This initiative is backed by Robert Edsel, author of “The Monuments Men” and founder of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation. Edsel’s latest project, the Forever Promise Project, aims to create lasting connections between American families and their Dutch adopters, making it easier to honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
According to Ton Hermes, chairman of the Foundation for Adopting Graves American Cemetery Margraten, while all 8,300 graves at the cemetery have adopters, only about 20% to 30% maintain contact with families in the U.S.
Lisa and Guido Meijers adopted the marker for Staff Sgt. William Durham “W.D.” West Jr., a 20-year-old whose body was never found after his bomber was downed during the war. Conversations with Brandt revealed his creative spirit and love for music, which reshaped how they commemorate him.
Brandt reminisced about their childhood in DeRidder, Louisiana, sharing her brother’s artistic inclinations and their close bond. She expressed gratitude for the Meijerses, who honor his memory by regularly visiting his marker with flowers.
The emotional weight of the cemetery in southern Netherlands, liberated in 1944, is profoundly felt by the Meijerses. They believe it’s vital to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers like West.
With a waiting list to adopt graves intensifying interest in the program, many families remain dedicated to this legacy. Frans Roebroeks, a secretary for the adoption foundation, noted that the program began recognizing the debt owed to American soldiers as early as 1945.
Through shared stories, Edsel noted over 300 families have requested connections with adopters, marking the beginning of a meaningful relationship between cultures through remembrance.
