Thu Sep 12 03:52:56 UTC 2024: ## Dutch Locals Honor Allied Soldiers 80 Years After Liberation

**MARGRATEN, Netherlands** – In a touching tribute, locals in the Netherlands are remembering the American and Allied soldiers who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from Nazi occupation during World War II. On the 80th anniversary of the start of the liberation, a concert is being held at the Netherlands American Cemetery, a sprawling burial ground with over 8,000 American soldiers laid to rest.

The cemetery serves as a powerful symbol of gratitude from the Dutch people. For decades, individuals like Ton Hermes and Maria Kleijnen have adopted graves of fallen soldiers, regularly visiting and leaving flowers on their birthdays, death anniversaries, and other significant days. This tradition ensures that the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten.

One such adopted soldier is 2nd Lt. Royce D. Taylor, a bombardier who was killed in action at the age of 23. His grandson, Scott Taylor, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, visited the cemetery and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the adopters for their dedication to remembering his grandfather.

The concert marks the anniversary of the 30th Infantry Division, known as “Old Hickory,” crossing from Belgium into the Netherlands, marking the beginning of the liberation. While the southern regions were freed quickly, the densely populated west, including major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, endured a harsh “hunger winter” with thousands of Dutch citizens dying due to famine.

The event serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of freedom and the importance of honoring those who fought for it. As Ton Hermes, a retired Dutch soldier, stated, “It’s a day which shows that democracy and liberty is very fragile… It’s important to adopt the grave and to think about what he did for our liberty.”

The dedication of the Dutch people, as exemplified by the adoption program, ensures that the legacy of the Allied soldiers who liberated their country will endure for generations to come.

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