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Netherlands American Cemetery located in between Maastricht and Margraten is the only American
Cemetery in the country. This is where 8,301 of our fallen troops from World War II lay
to rest. But there is one significant thing that makes this cemetery standout from all
others. We're the only cemetery in the entire organization,
the ABMC, we have 24 cemeteries, where 100 percent of our graves have been adopted by
local families. And these families, actually the entire region feel so grateful still to
this day that they adopt the graves and treat these soldiers as if they are their own family.
And adopting one of these graves isn't as easy as you would think. There's a waiting
list where several people who have already signed up before you, just waiting to pay
tribute to those who have fallen. And for those who have already adopted one.
They come out two, three, four times a year. They put flowers on the graves and they make
a point of learning and researching as much as they can about the soldier as possible
so they can feel that connection. They love coming out and taking the time out
of their day, just to say "Thank You." Army Sergeant Joshua Blair, Netherlands American
Cemetery.