A Dispute Over Remembrance: the Story Behind Removed Panels Honoring Black WWII Soldiers
A quiet controversy is unfolding at the Netherlands American Cemetery in margraten, sparking debate about memory, recognition, and shifting priorities. Panels detailing the contributions of Black soldiers who liberated the Netherlands during World War II were recently removed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a decision that has ignited outrage and prompted a determined response from both Dutch citizens and advocates for ancient accuracy.
The Black Liberators foundation,instrumental in the panels’ initial installation in 2024,expressed shock at their removal. Theo Bovens, chair of the foundation and a Dutch senator, stated the association received no prior notification. He finds it “strange” that the ABMC now questions the panels’ alignment with its mission,given their recent placement.
this situation has led many to believe “something has changed in the United States” regarding how it chooses to remember its history.
A Nation’s Gratitude: The Dutch Connection
The Netherlands holds a unique and deeply personal connection to the American soldiers who fought to liberate the country. Unlike many other European nations, the Dutch actively maintain the gravesites at the Margraten cemetery.
* Thousands of local families “adopt” a grave, committing to regular visits and leaving flowers on the soldier’s birthday and during holidays.
* This tradition is frequently enough passed down through generations, demonstrating a lasting sense of gratitude.
* Currently, there’s even a waiting list to adopt the graves of these American heroes.
The local community’s dedication extends beyond individual graves. Both the city and the province have formally requested the panels’ return, highlighting the importance of recognizing all who contributed to their freedom. A Dutch television program even recreated the panels and temporarily installed them outside the cemetery, only to have them removed by police. The program is now actively seeking a permanent location for the display.
Seeking a Lasting Memorial
The Black Liberators foundation isn’t solely focused on the panels. They are also working to establish a permanent memorial specifically honoring the Black soldiers who lost their lives liberating the Netherlands.
Currently, America Square in eijsden-Margraten features a small park dedicated to Jefferson Wiggins. He was a 19-year-old Black soldier who dug many of the graves at Margraten.
Wiggins’ posthumously published memoir,released in 2014,poignantly details the painful irony of burying his white comrades,with whom he was forbidden to socialize during their lives. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the segregation faced by Black soldiers even while fighting for freedom abroad.
A History Often Overlooked
When black soldiers arrived in Europe during WWII, they often encountered a stark contrast to the racial discrimination they faced at home. Linda Hervieux, author of ”Forgotten,” which chronicles the experiences of Black soldiers on D-Day, explains, “What they found was people who accepted them, who welcomed them, who treated them as the heroes that they were. And that includes the Netherlands.”
However, Hervieux believes the removal of the panels “follows a historical pattern of writing out the stories of men and women of colour in the United States.” This incident underscores the ongoing struggle to ensure a complete and accurate representation of history, one that acknowledges the contributions of all those who served.
The dispute over the panels at Margraten is more than just a disagreement over a display. It’s a reflection of a larger conversation about how we choose to remember the past, and whose stories we prioritize. It’s a call to ensure that the sacrifices of Black soldiers, and their vital role in liberating Europe, are never forgotten.
