The Hague, Netherlands—The below opinion piece is authored by Roberta Enschedé. Roberta is an Illinois UOCAVA voter, a resident of the Netherlands, former International Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, and former chair of Democrats Abroad Netherlands. She is also a member of the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus. Consistent with the recent opinion piece of another VMF member, Roberta opines on the decision by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to remove educational plaques highlighting the service of Black Americans in their fight against the fascist Axis powers of World War II.
We, United States citizens, many of whom are veterans, have recently learned that panels honoring our servicemember comrades of African-American descent have been removed from the Information Center at Netherlands American Cemetery. This sacred ground, located in Margraten in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, provides the final resting places for 8,301 graves and 1,722 names on the Wall of Honor.
We were initially told that panels are “on rotation” so that more men can be honored. No one I know of believes these panels honoring our Black heroes should be rotated. Their story is not only the story of WWII heroism, but the story of men who served in a segregated army and were even regarded by our own government as “not capable of fighting.” They had to fight to be able to fight!
We have also been told the panels are “being restored and refurbished.” It is important to note that the panels are just over one year old! Whatever the reason is, it is not important. What is important is that the contributions of the Black soldiers who fought and died for American democracy be recognized at Margraten and everywhere!
As someone who actually lives in the Netherlands and understands the impact of the panels' removal, there is no question that the ABMC must restore the panels and make them part of a permanent exhibition. I strongly encourage every American to contact ABMC via [email protected] and urge their immediate reinstallation. In addition, please contact your Senators and Representative and encourage them to use their constitutional oversight authority over ABMC to demand a reversal of this misguided policy.
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, Department of Defense civilians, other national security professionals, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has over 1,400 members in dozens of countries.
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