U.S. 6th Fleet Commander Honors Fallen Heroes in Netherlands

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) William Pittman, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

June 1, 2010 - MARGRATEN, Netherlands (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 6th Fleet arrived in Margraten, Netherlands, May 30 to celebrate Memorial Day at the World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial.

Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., attended the memorial to honor the 8,302 American Soldiers who died during conflicts including Arnhem and Operation Market Garden during World War II.

"I'm deeply honored and deeply humbled to be asked to speak to you on this important occasion," Harris said. "As we gather here today and look across this 'sepulchered field of illustrious men,' we are likely moved by conflicting emotions, and the sure knowledge of what happened in this region over a half century ago. It is no exaggeration to suggest that their gift is nothing less than civilization as we know it."

Harris was one of several dignitaries attending the ceremony. Other event attendees included U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, Fay Hartog Levin, U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Erik K. Shinseki, and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Several World War II veterans also attended.

"This is a very emotional occasion for me," said Bob Quegan, a veteran of the 17th Airborne Parachute Infantry Regiment. "My regiment participated in Operation Varsity on Mar. 24, 1945, and we lost a lot of good people that day. We lost so many people here during the war and the fact that the people of the Netherlands recognize our efforts and pay tribute to our fallen in this fashion is truly an honor."

Harris, along with representatives from several nations and former units, laid wreaths to pay their respects to the fallen Soldiers.

"We owe an incalculable debt of gratitude to all those who served more than 60 years ago," said Harris. "Our battles, our victories, indeed our very way of life is owed not to great moments or important dates. They are owed to the actions and sacrifices of individual men and women who were willing to step into the breach for their country and for the cause of freedom."

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is Europe's third largest war cemetery for unidentified soldiers who died in World War II.