The Belgian “godfathers”
Marine_7002 sends us another link to a nice story about the “godparents” of US casualties buried in Belgium. They’ve taken it upon themselves to “adopt” the grave sites of fallen troops;
Lt. Soleau [whose Mustang crashed into a farm field 70 years ago this month]’s remains were interred in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in Leige, Belgium, where many victims of the Battle of the Bulge were laid to rest. Today, seven decades later, his gravesite is tended to by Didier Dradon, a Belgian man who felt it was his duty to look after American graves.
“We owe them that much for what they did for us during World War II,” Mr. Dradon said in French in an e-mail sent to The Monroe News. “We honor them by visiting the grave several times a year and placing flowers there each time … in order to never forget the sacrifice of these soldiers for our freedom.”
[…]
Soleau’s sister, Theresa Balk, said she was pleased that members of a European community care enough to watch over her brother’s gravesite.
“That’s wonderful,” said Mrs. Balk, who will turn 97 soon. “It’s very, very satisfying.”
Category: Historical
Thank you, sir.
I would love to shake his hand to thank him.
That is a great story. Thanks.
The formal adoption of American graves by Belgians is done through a group of Belgian Army NCOs, called the Cercle Royal le Briscard. They have not forgotten. They have not ceased to be grateful. And they pass it on. Belgians apply through the group to adopt a grave and one is assigned. Didier Dradon has adopted several.
The Dutch have done this at Margraten as well. I sent an inquiry to the cementary as to my stepfathers dads’ grave there. I received a nice hand written letter and several photographs of the grave marker and one of the caretakers two sons with the headstone and some more photos of the Memorial day celebration in 2000 from him. The gentlemans name is Peter J. Hendrixx, and in his letter he stated….
” Dear Clifton, enclosed is the photo of Tryphon’s gravestone at the Netherlands American cemetary in Margraten. I took these photos last May during Memorial Day. I attended the ceremonies with my two little sons, Laurus (10) and Winel (sp?) (6). We have not forgotten the sacrifices of the American servicemen in WW2……. If you are interested to get in touch with the Dutch who adopted your stepfathers fathers grave, you might find them through the link on my website about the adoption program…..”
There was more to the letter but the important things to me is that he took the time to take photos and have his children with him at the ceremony…..and still expressed how they have not forgotten the sacrifice. For anyone interested the website is http://www.heroesatmargraten.com
I have the photos framed and sitting at my work cubicle….. although my dad never met his father, and consequently I never did either obviously, those simple acts will always be cherised. Still trying to find info about his service and his unit the 4th Signal Battalion, US Army…….
Thank Mr. Didier Dradon sir. You are an honorable man to keep watch over an American so far from home.
How ironic that the Belgians and the French still honor our fallen and yet the American left forgot them years ago?
If you can find the PBS show “Last Best Hope” on Netflix, watch it. Its about the Belgian resistance and how they helped downed allied airmen. At great risk to themselves and their families.
A nice reminder that there are still a lot of real people in this world who truly care…
I got something in my eye while reading this and I keep tearing up. Stupid dust making me look like I am crying…
Late wife of 30 years was Belgian. We met in Brussels while I was TDY to NATO HQ. Over those 30 years, got to live with natives including my late father-in-law (RIP) who lived during the occupation. He hated Germans until his last breath last year but he (and they) appreciated us.
Privileged to walk the fields around Bastogne. Malmedy, etc. Natives loved me. As an old 101st guy (VN era) was always moved. Driving through the frost mist covered roads of the Ardennes. All I could think of was the misery our troops suffered. Airborne!
Time to hit Class VI and do a Band of Bro’s Marathon while its freezing ass cold here like it was in the Ardennes.
Geeze Out.
I know you weren’t a Marine, but Semper Fi and thank you for that post.
Thanks and blessings to those who look after our fallen.
Simple and dignified. I dont ask for elaborate memorials or celebrations for those that fell in battle. All that i hope for is remembrance. This fits that to a T.