Queen of the Netherlands, U.S. Secretary Shinseki to attend Margraten Memorial Day ceremony

By Tom Budzyna, USAG Schinnen Public AffairsMay 26, 2010

Queen Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands
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2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Secretary Shinseki spoke to National Public Radio's Mark Memmott May 14 about the obligation VA has to Veterans. He touched on topics ranging from wait times for claims to the GI Bill. Learn more here: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/05/vete... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1941 - 1945: In proud remembrance
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4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Scores of wreaths are laid during the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. In this picture, thousands watch the Dutch Royal Air Force perform the "Missing Man" formation to conclude the ceremony held in... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHINNEN, Netherlands - Queen Beatrix, the Queen of the Netherlands and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will participate at the 65th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Netherlands 3 p.m., May 30.

This annual event, which attracts thousands of spectators, includes choral music, the presentation of more than 65 wreaths and a flyover by the Royal Dutch Air Force. Secretary Shinseki will also make remarks at the ceremony in Margraten.

Queen Beatrix succeeded her mother as Queen of the Netherlands in 1980 and has since formed part of the Dutch government. The Queen was married to Prince Claus, who died in 2002. They had three sons: Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince Friso and Prince Constantijn. The eldest, Prince Willem-Alexander, the Prince of Orange, will succeed Queen Beatrix. Queen Beatrix last participated in the Memorial Day observance in Margraten in 1994.

Retired U.S. Army General Eric K. Shinseki was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama December 7, 2008 to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate January 20, 2009, and he was sworn in as the seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs January 21, 2009. Secretary Shinseki served as Chief of Staff, United States Army, from 1999 to June 11, 2003, and retired from active duty on August 1, 2003.

Shinseki is leading a presidential delegation May 28 to 30 to pay respects at the gravesites of American service members in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg (the "BeNeLux" region). He will lay a wreath at a memorial in Neupre, Belgium, 8:45 a.m., May 29; lay a wreath and make remarks at the Ardennes American Cemetery, Belgium, 10 a.m., May 29; and lay a wreath and make remarks at the Luxembourg American Cemetery 4 p.m., May 29.

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten holds a special place in the hearts of local Dutch citizens. Every one of the 8,301 graves has been adopted by a Dutch citizen of family. There is also a waiting list to adopt one of 1,722 names on the cemetery's Wall of the Missing. The Dutch bring flowers to decorate the graves and pay tribute to sacrifices made by U.S. Soldiers in World War II each year on the American Memorial Day or on the Dutch Memorial Day annually May 5, known as Liberation Day.

"This annual event is one of many held by the American Battle Monuments Commission worldwide to remember and commemorate all U.S. war dead who sacrificed their lives for freedom and liberty in Europe," said Mike Yasenchak, the superintendant of the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial.

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial was established in September 1944 by the U.S. 611th Graves Registration Company commanded at the time by U.S. Army Capt. Joseph Shomon. The Dutch made it a tradition to observe the American Memorial Day every year at the cemetery in Margraten since then.

"Capt. Shomon's search for a location brought him to the Town Hall of Margraten. A representative that spoke English escorted him to an orchard where Shomon and local farmers came to an agreement. The first graves were laid in November 1944," Yasenchak said.

"This year is actually the 66th Anniversary of observing the American Memorial Day at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. It is an honor to host Queen Beatrix this year, which is the 65th year that the Netherlands has enjoyed freedom," said Yasenchak.

The southern Netherlands province of Limburg, where Margraten and Schinnen are located, was liberated exclusively by U.S. forces in September 1944. Freedom for the entire nation of the Netherlands was not achieved until the following year in 1945 - 65 years ago this year.

Related Links:

Listen to an interview between Secretary Shinseki and NPR reporter Mark Memmott

Department of Veterans Affairs