Nearly one million African American soldiers bravely fought in Europe during World War II, a fact that is crucial to understanding the diverse narratives of this significant conflict. Among the many battlefields, the Netherlands stands out, especially due to its ongoing recognition of the sacrifices made by these soldiers. However, recent actions regarding the memorial site that commemorates their bravery have stirred controversy and concern.
In a disheartening turn of events, plaques at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, which honors the contributions of African American soldiers, were removed “earlier this summer.” According to reports from NRC, no specific reason was provided for this decision, leading to widespread speculation and discontent among those who appreciate the historical significance of these memorials.
The Netherlands American Cemetery is the final resting place for over 8,200 U.S. servicemen, including 174 African Americans. The removal of the commemorative plaques honoring the contributions of Black soldiers has sparked outrage, prompting Dutch lawmakers to advocate for either a replacement of the plaques or a permanent monument dedicated to these liberators. Their actions reflect a growing recognition of the sacrifices made and the need to keep their legacy alive. Many have deemed the removal “indecent” and “unacceptable,” emphasizing the critical role these soldiers played in the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.
One of the stripped panels specifically commemorated the dual battle fought by African American soldiers—against both fascism abroad and systemic racism within the U.S. military. This historic struggle continued until the military was officially desegregated in 1948, highlighting the complexity of their service and the broader civil rights movement. Kees Ribbens, a senior researcher at the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, expressed his shock at the plaques’ removal. He noted that the memorialization of African American soldiers had only recently begun to receive the attention it deserved, emphasizing the barriers that still exist in recognizing their contributions.
Ribbens linked these recent developments to the broader context of the political climate, specifically referencing the policies of the Trump administration. In January, President Trump signed an executive order rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. This order has raised concerns about diminishing support for programs aimed at recognizing the contributions of historically marginalized communities, casting a shadow over institutions like the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), which oversees memorials such as the one in Margraten.
The ABMC is tasked with maintaining the memories of American military personnel and upholding their legacies across 26 military cemeteries and various memorials in foreign countries. However, this responsibility has come under scrutiny following the controversial removal of the plaques. Following the executive order, the commission faced internal changes, including the quiet departure of Chief Diversity Officer Priscilla Rayson, a move that further fueled discussions around representation and recognition in historical narratives.
In statements to the media, lawmakers in the Netherlands have conveyed their hopes for the restoration of the panels, underscoring the importance of African American soldiers’ contributions to the liberation of their country. Theo Bovens, the president of the Black Liberators foundation, has been vocal in his advocacy for restoring the memorials, reminding audiences of the significance of honoring those who not only fought against tyranny abroad but also faced prejudice within their own ranks.