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U.S. Agency Removes Black WWII Panels at Netherlands Cemetery as Families and Dutch Officials Press for Reinstatement

The agency says an internal review drove the decision, rejecting assertions of political interference.

A soldiers check the last details of preparations of the cemetery before the annual Memorial Day commemoration at the American cemetery in Margraten, on May 29, 2022.
Image
Display about Black soldiers in World War II.

Overview

  • The American Battle Monuments Commission confirmed it retired a display featuring Jefferson Wiggins and took a George H. Pruitt panel off view but kept it in rotation.
  • The commission says content fell outside its commemorative scope and denies any external direction in the March review that led to the changes.
  • Former ABMC secretary Charles Djou alleges the removals were prompted by the Trump administration, a claim the commission disputes.
  • The mayor of Eijsden-Margraten and Limburg provincial leaders have requested the panels be restored and plan an appeal to U.S. Ambassador Joe Popolo Jr.
  • ABMC says four other displays highlight Black servicemembers at the Margraten visitor center, though reporters said those panels were not visible during visits.