Dutch Families Adopt WWII Soldiers' Graves and Memorials
A connection across continents is bringing new life to the memories of America's World War II Veterans.
In Richmond, Texas, 93-year-old June West Brandt lost her brother William Durham "W.D." West Jr., a U.S. soldier whose body was never found. His name is etched on a memorial wall in the Netherlands.
He's just a name on a board, and now he's got a family. So, it's pretty nice,"
said Brandt, who has been able to connect with a Dutch family that adopted her brother's grave marker through regular video calls.
All 10,000 graves and memorials at the Netherlands American Cemetery have been adopted by Dutch families, but only about 25% of the caretakers have been able to make connections with U.S. families.
Author's summary: Dutch families adopt WWII soldiers' graves, bringing comfort to US families.
- Contact: [email protected] for story ideas