Healing Across Time: How Dutch Families Honor American WWII Soldiers

Tue Oct 14 2025 12:41:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A touching initiative connects American families with Dutch adopters honoring their WWII heroes, fostering lasting legacies of remembrance.

In an inspiring project, Dutch couple Lisa and Guido Meijers adopt the grave of American WWII soldier William Durham West Jr., connecting with his sister, June West Brandt. The Forever Promise Project, initiated by Robert Edsel, aims to strengthen ties between the families of those lost and their Dutch supporters. Through shared stories, this initiative fosters remembrance and honors the sacrifices made during the war.

Dallas, Texas - June West Brandt has carried the memory of her brother, who was killed in World War II, throughout her life. This poignant connection was made even stronger when she learned that a Dutch couple had been visiting a memorial dedicated to him at a Netherlands cemetery.

Brandt, 93, who resides near Houston, expressed her delight upon discovering that Lisa and Guido Meijers have formed a bond with the memory of her brother, Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. William Durham West Jr.

The Meijerses became part of a heartening initiative to connect the grieving families of American servicemen with Dutch adopters who honor their memories. This project, spurred by “The Monuments Men” author Robert Edsel, culminates in the Forever Promise Project, which provides a searchable database of U.S. service members commemorated in the Netherlands American Cemetery.

I’d like us to find and connect as many American families to their Dutch adopters as is possible, Edsel mentioned, underscoring the project's goal of enriching relationships and fostering shared stories.

The Meijerses, who adopted West’s marker years ago, initially knew little about the 20-year-old soldier whose fate was sealed when his bomber was shot down over the North Sea. However, through discussions with Brandt, they learned about his artistic nature and passion for music.

Brandt reminisces about the strong bond shared with her brother during their childhood in Louisiana. 'It was very hard when he left,' she said, reflecting on the loss.

Having met the Meijerses, Brandt’s daughter, Allison, expressed her gratitude, hopeful that the familial connection will persist across generations, with the Meijerses honoring West’s memory by visiting the cemetery monthly.

The need to remember and honor such sacrifices is felt strongly in the Netherlands, a region liberated by Allied forces in 1944, and the program aims to expand further. Currently, around 20-30% of adopters maintain correspondence with surviving relatives, and as interest grows, a waiting list has developed for potential adopters.

Edsel estimates that more than 300 American families have sought to connect with the Dutch who honor their loved ones, signifying the beginning of a movement aimed at celebrating past sacrifices and forging new friendships in their memory.