Netherlands "Adopts" Graves of U.S. World War II Military-- Part 2

Said Lili Pasteur, the "adoptees" try to "get in touch with the soldiers' families in the United States to let them know their loved one's grave is cared for.

She continued, "On the first Memorial Day (May 30, 1945) all of the gravesites of Americans in the Netherlands had flowers.  Over the years, there have been a lot of reburials.  Families have been given the option of leaving them there or sending them home.  Now, there are 8,301 Americans left and every one of those graves is adopted."

Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial covers 65.5 acres and each grave is marked with a white cross.  The Memorial reads: "Here we and all who shall hereafter live in freedom will be reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live."

The history of action in World War II is depicted on plaques along the walkways.

In the case of John Jasper Lewis, a wall was put up with the names of those missing in action or killed in action with no identifiable remains.  That is when Lili adopted two of them, including Lewis.  She especially wanted one killed in the day she was born and says, "As a result of his death, I have lived in freedon for 68 years."

Finally, Some People Who Appreciate What the United States Has Done For Them.  We Need More Like Them.  --GreGen