The adoption of American war graves in Margraten\u00a0has been included in the Dutch national inventory of Immaterial\u00a0Cultural Inheritance.\u00a0The Dutch national inventory is a result of the UNESCO Treaty to protect Immaterial Cultural\u00a0Inheritance signed by the Dutch government in 2012.\u00a0\u201cFor all the 9000 adopters, tending a grave at the American cemetery in Margraten since\u00a01945, often for three generations, this is an important recognition and tribute\u201d, chairman\u00a0Ton Hermes of the Foundation for Adopting Graves says. \u201cAnd for all the volunteers that\u00a0make the adoption program a success.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dutch national Centre for Immaterial Inheritance states: \u201cThe adoption of American war\u00a0graves in Margraten is a cultural inheritance raised from the awareness of respect and\u00a0gratitude for the American liberators during WWII. It also achieves awareness of the\u00a0vulnerability of our society.\u201d\u00a0Ton Hermes: \u201cThe adoption of US war graves and the US cemetery itself makes people think\u00a0of the enormous sacrifice that has been made for our freedom: the lives of ten thousands of\u00a0young Americans. Adoption also connects with American next of kin and families and often\u00a0leads to long standing ties of friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n