Train in Netherlands Honors American Sacrifice during World War II

Since American forces liberated the southern Netherlands in the fall of 1944, the Dutch have been committed to honoring their sacrifice. They have adopted every gravesite at Netherlands American Cemetery. They sponsor an annual concert to mark the anniversary of the liberation. In their most recent show of appreciation, a new train in the Limburg region of the southern Netherlands has been named in honor of the cemetery.

Management of all public buses and trains in the region recently transferred to a new company. As part of this transition, the company held a contest to name the 14 new trains with the intent of highlighting unique aspects of the region. The people of Limburg voted on the names and when the new trains hit the track this month, there was one bearing the name of “Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten” translated to American Cemetery Margraten. Information about the cemetery also will be available inside this train in future months.

As the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands, Dutch families have been coming to the cemetery for decades, where more than 10,000 Americans are buried or memorialized. For many, this site is sacred ground, serving as a reminder of America’s commitment to democracy and freedom.

About ABMC:
Established by Congress in 1923, the American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces. ABMC administers 26 overseas military cemeteries, and 27 memorials, monuments, and markers.