Restore the African American Memorial Panels at the Netherlands American Cemetery
Restore the African American Memorial Panels at the Netherlands American Cemetery
The Issue
We, the undersigned, raise our voices in grief, gratitude, and resolve. The removal of memorial panels honoring African American service members at the Netherlands American Cemetery does more than alter an exhibit; it risks silencing men who crossed an ocean to fight for freedom while being denied full freedom at home. Their courage deserves to be seen. Their sacrifice deserves to be named. Their story must not be erased from the sacred ground where America remembers its fallen.
Why This Matters
The Netherlands American Cemetery is a place of remembrance, education, and gratitude. It honors thousands of Americans who gave their lives in the struggle against Nazi occupation. Among them were African American soldiers whose service has too often been overlooked or minimized in public memory.
Removing interpretive panels that tell these stories diminishes the fullness of the historical record. The experiences of African American soldiers who fought for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home are not separate from the history of World War II. They are essential to understanding it.
Our Request
We call on the responsible authorities to restore the removed panels and ensure that the contributions of African American service members stay visible, accurate, and permanently represented in the cemetery’s educational displays.
- Reinstall the removed panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery.
- Provide a public explanation for their removal and clarify the process used to make interpretive changes.
- Consult historians, veterans’ families, local Dutch caretakers, and descendants of African American soldiers before making future changes to exhibits.
- Commit to preserving a complete and truthful account of all American service members who contributed to the liberation of Europe.
Statement of Principle
Honoring African American soldiers is not a political gesture; it is an act of historical accuracy, respect, and gratitude. Their service helped secure the freedom of others even as they were denied equal rights in their own country. Their stories belong in the place where their sacrifice is commemorated.
We ask that these panels be restored without delay and that the memory of African American service members be protected as an essential part of the cemetery’s mission.
Operation Tulip
Posthumous Purple Heart Presentation for Medal of Honor Recipient PFC Willy F. James Jr. scheduled for May 31, 2027. Its purpose is to unite supporters in a visible act of remembrance and advocacy, calling attention to the need to restore the African American memorial panels and preserve the full history of American service at the Netherlands American Cemetery. Through this effort, participants affirm that remembrance must include every soldier whose courage contributed to the liberation of Europe.
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The Issue
We, the undersigned, raise our voices in grief, gratitude, and resolve. The removal of memorial panels honoring African American service members at the Netherlands American Cemetery does more than alter an exhibit; it risks silencing men who crossed an ocean to fight for freedom while being denied full freedom at home. Their courage deserves to be seen. Their sacrifice deserves to be named. Their story must not be erased from the sacred ground where America remembers its fallen.
Why This Matters
The Netherlands American Cemetery is a place of remembrance, education, and gratitude. It honors thousands of Americans who gave their lives in the struggle against Nazi occupation. Among them were African American soldiers whose service has too often been overlooked or minimized in public memory.
Removing interpretive panels that tell these stories diminishes the fullness of the historical record. The experiences of African American soldiers who fought for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home are not separate from the history of World War II. They are essential to understanding it.
Our Request
We call on the responsible authorities to restore the removed panels and ensure that the contributions of African American service members stay visible, accurate, and permanently represented in the cemetery’s educational displays.
- Reinstall the removed panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery.
- Provide a public explanation for their removal and clarify the process used to make interpretive changes.
- Consult historians, veterans’ families, local Dutch caretakers, and descendants of African American soldiers before making future changes to exhibits.
- Commit to preserving a complete and truthful account of all American service members who contributed to the liberation of Europe.
Statement of Principle
Honoring African American soldiers is not a political gesture; it is an act of historical accuracy, respect, and gratitude. Their service helped secure the freedom of others even as they were denied equal rights in their own country. Their stories belong in the place where their sacrifice is commemorated.
We ask that these panels be restored without delay and that the memory of African American service members be protected as an essential part of the cemetery’s mission.
Operation Tulip
Posthumous Purple Heart Presentation for Medal of Honor Recipient PFC Willy F. James Jr. scheduled for May 31, 2027. Its purpose is to unite supporters in a visible act of remembrance and advocacy, calling attention to the need to restore the African American memorial panels and preserve the full history of American service at the Netherlands American Cemetery. Through this effort, participants affirm that remembrance must include every soldier whose courage contributed to the liberation of Europe.
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Petition created on October 16, 2026