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.
A Dutch family has adopted his grave marker, and through regular video calls, West watches as they tend to the memorial, bringing her comfort and gratitude across the ocean.
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.