Memorial Day will soon be upon us. Many think of it as the unofficial beginning of summer and a holiday that is uniquely American. I disagree. Though the day does fall on the onset of traditional summer activities. such as picnics and baseball games, its true meaning is reverent:
It is a day to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country. Uniquely American, in a sense, but also observed in other parts of the world. One such place is the village of Margraten, Holland, at the American Cemetery and Memorial.
On Memorial Day each year, hundreds of Dutch men, women and children turn out to honor the men who freed them from the yoke of Nazi tyranny.
My father-in-law, Cpl. William H. Myers, rests there with 8,301 of his comrades. They are not alone, as each and every grave has been “adopted” by a Dutch family, and there is a waiting list for grave adoption. They remember our fathers, brothers, and uncles, on their birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays.
On Memorial Day, the Dutch will honor our war dead, and so should we. Fly your flag and take a moment to remember them on that day.
The late Richard S. Stinger
submitted by his wife
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