Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, located in Margraten, is a poignant tribute to the American soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. It is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands. The cemetery is located near the historic Cologne-Boulogne highway, a route used by Romans, Charlemagne, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. The U.S. 30th Infantry Division liberated the site on September 13, 1944, and the cemetery was established shortly thereafter. The cemetery covers 65.5 acres and contains the graves of 8,301 American war dead. Their headstones are set in long, graceful curves across the landscape. A memorial tower rises above the Court of Honor, with a reflecting pool and a statue representing loss. Tablets of the Missing record the names of 1,722 individuals. Within the tower, a chapel offers a space for quiet contemplation. Unique to this cemetery is the deep connection with the Dutch people. Since 1945, locals have adopted the graves of the fallen, bringing flowers and researching the lives of the service members. The Foundation for Adopting Graves at the American Cemetery Margraten manages this program. The Foundation United Adopters American War Graves has created The Faces of Margraten program, displaying photos of the fallen during Dutch Memorial Day weekend. A visitor center opened in 2024, offering exhibits and a film about the soldiers' experiences. The cemetery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except December 25 and January 1. Admission is free.