It's a personal letter, but I wanted to share the privilege my son had yesterday and also what he witnessed. the Dutch could have long ago forgotten us and our young men that never came home, but they have not. Joe Jr. has witnessed this more than once since his arrival in The Netherlands last year > > Begin forwarded message: >>> >>> Check out this video on YouTube: >>> >>> Mom and Dad, >>> >>> I am really sorry that we never got the chance to visit the Margraten Memorial during your visits in the early 1980s. Just never thought about this memorial of all those available. The attached video brings home some of the emotions and history of the memorial ceremony yesterday just south of Maastricht. Karen joined me at the ceremony as I laid a wreath as the Senior American officer in the Netherlands. It was a humbling experience to stand before the 8301 heroes and even more humbling to meet all the local residents who have adopted the graves since 1944. It it amazing how the Dutch have handed this tradition down from generation to generation. Yesterday, I met grandfathers with their grandchildren explaining the importance of the sacrifice of these man and how important it was for them in their lives. Dutch Politicians, Military and Religious leaders all talked about the freedoms we take for granted and how others had sacrificed to gain and preserve their freedoms. >>> But I was most touched by the local population and children. As I tried to thank them as an American...about how humbled I was by their commitment to adopt a fallen soldier and grave site...they were the ones who were profusely thanking me for their freedom and my sacrifices. It was a truly humbling event. We will send pictures as they come in this week. >>> Karen and I both miss you and hope all is well with you in Florida. Hopefully you are now into warmer weather and sunny days. > >>> Love Joe and Karen >>> Select >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVXKNxHsUdg&feature=youtube_gdata_player >>> >>> >>> Sent from my iPad