Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial

Geschiedenis

The World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is a war cemetery which lies in the village of Margraten 10km east of Maastricht, in the most southern part of the Netherlands. It is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.HistoryThe cemetery site has a rich historical background, lying near the famous Cologne-Boulogne highway, originally built by the Romans and used by Julius Caesar during his campaign in that area. The highway was also used by Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, Hitler's legions advanced over the route of the old Roman highway, overwhelming the Low Countries. In September 1944, German troops once more used the highway for the withdrawal from the countries occupied for four years.DescriptionThe tall memorial tower can be seen before reaching the cemetery which covers 65.5acre. From the cemetery entrance the visitor approaches through the Court of Honor with its pool reflecting the chapel tower. The visitors' building is on the right and the museum with its three engraved operations maps describing the achievements of the American Armed Forces in the area during World War II is on the left. At the base of the tower facing the reflecting pool is a statue representing the grieving mother of her lost son.