Memorial Day at the American War Cemetery Margraten

Memorial Day

At May 26 it was Memorial Day in the United States. During this day the casualties of wars like the Second World War, but also in Iraq now are commemorated. The weekend before Memorial Day in the United States, a ceremony has been held at the overseas American War Cemeteries. At May 25, I attended the Ceremony at the American War Cemetery Margraten, like a few thousand other people.

I was there with a radio reporter who is making a small report about me for the radio. With her I visited Lawrence F. Shea's grave that I have adopted an attended the Ceremony. During the ceremony there were speeches and prayings from people from the United States and the Netherlands. For example the Dutch minister of Foreign affairs. After that, a wreath laying was held. Countries, veterans associations, foundations and units laid a wreath. The ceremony finished with a fly-over with Dutch F-16's in the Missing Man formation. I guess the most of you all know this, but for those who doesn't. One of the planes leaves the formation and the other three keep flying straight. With this formation they honor the Air Force's casualties. It always is an impressive moment!

Here are some photos which I have made this day of the cemetery and the ceremony.


All the graves were decorated with small Dutch and American flags


The Walls of Missing. The names of 1700 soldiers, whose bodies aren't recovered are listed on the Walls of Missing.


Wreath laying. For information: also England laid a small wreath with the roses which you use with the commemoration in England. I believe I haven't a picture of this wreath.


The Missing Man formation


Many graves were decorated with flowers


Lawrence F. Shea's grave. Since the summer of 2006 I have adopted his grave.

Other pictures of this day can be found on my website here:
Memorial Day 2008

And I said it before:
Fallen But Not Forgotten

 

Dear Spifire

I really appreciate you doing that. I liked the pictures alot, and it's amazing that you adopted that man's grave. :smirk:

 

Well said and a great post. Do you also have the audio from the radio broadcast to share ?

 

Excellent post Spitfire, and hats off to you for the sponsorship to the fallen soldier, you earn my respect..
Great pictures also ... :thumb:

With your permission i would like to move this post out of this forum to a forum where all visitors will see it.

 

Nope. The press here in the Netherlands seems to doesn't mind this ceremony and doesn't give much attention to it. Short views on the TV and short articles in the paper. I was there with some one of the radio, who is going to make a report about my adoption at this cemetery.

Thanks! Of course you may move it! :thumb: