Nicole Sproncken grew up in the Netherlands hearing stories of her parents giving refuge to American soldiers during World War II. She later decided to adopt the grave of a US soldier and she now visits it once a week. She has also travelled to the US to meet members of the soldier's family. Host Jonathan Groubert accompanied Nicole to the graveyard to find out why tending the grave means so much to her.
This story was taken from the latest edition of The State We're In - Souvenirs of war
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It is very good to see that some of the post war generation of young Europeans still appreciate the ultimate sacrifice tens of thousands of American men made, to free Europe from the tyranny and despotism of Fascism & Nazism. The fruits of liberty and freedom are indeed, sweet. But, the cost comes in barrels and barrels of blood. Thank you Nicole, for not forgetting our brave young men who gave their blood and never returned home. May God in his mercy, continue to guide and protect you and all good people like you.
As an American I just wanted to say that I was very touched to hear this story. I would like to thank all the good people like Mrs. Sproncken who show such care and humanity to fallen veterans from my country. Thank you so much.
Thank you for remembering one of the fallen from Ohio. God bless you, Nicole.
God Bless The People of The Netherlands!!! DANK U!!!
The grave of my great-uncle, PFC Talmadge Albee Bullard of Mississippi has been adopted by a family. He is buried in Maargraten Military Cemetary and was KIA in/near Dueren after the liberation of Holland. I have his "soldier" portrait over my fireplace and think of him often, even though I never met him. He died almost 15 years before I was born. I truly wish to go to Margraten someday to thank that family and pay my own respects! DANK U NEDERLAND!
B Brady, my name is Kevin Wells. I am an American student from Nebraska, though I study in California. I was in Margraten in May making a short documentary about this very cemetery and the adoption program there, and I actually interviewed the man who has adopted your relative's grave. If you would like, I could try to put you in touch with him. Let me know what you think. Thank you.
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