Rear Admiral Brummelaar, Chargé d' Affaires Verloop, General Eichelsheim, General Vollmer, Mr. Ryan, distinguished citizens of this great nation…and most importantly, to the loved ones of the fallen, it is a most sacred honor to be here on these hallowed grounds. 

For over a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to an unprecedented degree and we remain grateful to all of you who continue to creatively adapt time-honored traditions in keeping our American-Dutch friendship strong and the actions of our fallen alive, for the sake of public health and safety as we keep mitigating the pandemic.

Today we remember our fallen service members here and abroad, who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the course of two world wars, especially these patriots who rest eternally here before us. although the extent of their selfless sacrifice can never fully be calculated or paid back, keeping their memory alive is a must.

From across the European continent to the far corners of the globe, we can still reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. We can collectively mourn those lost in service to our nation. We can share in the sorrow of all the gold star families and friends who grieve the loss that never goes away intertwined as it is with pride of service and selflessness of sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, as we lay wreaths in honor of our fallen patriots, let us reverently unite in remembrance. Let us cherish the indelible Dutch-American bond forged through the darkest days in history. For not even a global pandemic lessens our commitment to honoring our fallen heroes who rest in endless peace. We cherish their service to our nation on Memorial Day and every day.