Three decades ago (while stationed at Schinnen, NL during 1984 and early 85), I home taught the retired LDS Dutch-American couple who were assigned as caretakers at Margraten. We lived in Hoensbroek and met with the Serviceman's branch in Heerlen, the same city where our oldest son was born. It was a charmed 13 months for us.

My wife and I were able to visit Margraten (about 30 minutes from where we lived) several times as part of that assignment. It's very moving... how I imagine a visit to Normandy or Arlington National Cemetery would be... how I felt when I visited the cemetery at Winter Quarters.

I also attended (in official capacity) the formal Memorial Day ceremony conducted at Margraten in 1984. It was a joint US/Dutch commemoration. The Dutch (where we lived) still commemorate their liberation by US/Allied Forces every September. Their collective, cultural expression of gratitude remains tangible... even generations removed from firsthand experience.