In brief
The Forever Promise Project connects families of U.S. service members buried in the Netherlands with Dutch adopters who care for their graves. This initiative, inspired by Robert Edsel's work, aims to deepen emotional ties and ensures that the memories of fallen soldiers are cherished.
DALLAS — June West Brandt reflects on her brother, killed in WWII, with warmth as she learns he is honored by a Dutch couple. The Forever Promise Project fosters connections between families of American service members and Dutch adopters caring for graves at the Netherlands American Cemetery. This initiative, backed by author Robert Edsel, aims to enhance familial ties and remembrance.Brandt, 93, appreciates that Lisa and Guido Meijers, who adopted a marker for her brother, Army Staff Sgt. William Durham West Jr., tend to his memory with monthly visits and flowers.The cemetery, where over 8,300 graves and 1,700 markers for missing soldiers lie, is a reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII. It was liberated by Allied forces in September 1944 after a long Nazi occupation.Ton Hermes of the Adoption Foundation states that only 20% to 30% of adopters are in contact with the families of the veteran they honor, hence the need for this initiative. Edsel's project uses a searchable database to reunite families with their loved ones' adopters, allowing stories of creativity and companionship, like Brandt's, to surface. This month, Brandt's daughter met the Meijerses, hopeful for future generations to continue this legacy of remembrance. With a waiting list for grave adoptions, the program signifies a lasting bond between cultures, ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers like West are not forgotten.
