American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer returned to the village of Mesch with Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation by the 30th Infantry Division during World War II. Thayer, now 99 years old, was part of the Allied forces that liberated parts of Belgium and the southern Netherlands from German occupation in September 1944. This event marked the end of more than four years of Nazi occupation in the village. Thayer, along with his fellow soldiers, was honored for their bravery and sacrifices during the war.
Thayer recalled the day of the liberation, where he was sent out on a reconnaissance mission and accidentally crossed the border into the village. He mentioned that it felt like just another day on the front line for the soldiers who had fought their way through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Thayer paid tribute to his comrades who did not make it through the war, acknowledging the sacrifice of all the soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict. This event is a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the soldiers who fought for the freedom of the Dutch people.
Residents of Mesch, who were among the first Dutch citizens to experience postwar freedom, were liberated by Thayer and the American infantry troops on September 12, 1944. The village of Mesch holds a special place in the history of the Netherlands as the first Dutch village to be liberated by the Allied forces. The liberation marked the beginning of the end of the Nazi occupation in the region. The people of Mesch, along with the rest of the country, had to wait several months to be completely freed from German occupation.
The Dutch people have shown their enduring gratitude to the American liberators by adopting and caring for the graves of the fallen soldiers. An American cemetery in the nearby village of Margraten holds the graves of over 8,000 American servicemen and women who lost their lives during the war. Local residents regularly visit the graves, bringing flowers on special occasions as a sign of their deep gratitude. This gesture reflects the strong bond between the Dutch people and the American soldiers who fought for their freedom.
The liberation of Mesch and other parts of the Netherlands is a significant moment in Dutch history, marking the end of German occupation during World War II. The bravery and sacrifices of the Allied forces, including Thayer and his fellow soldiers, are remembered and honored by the Dutch people. The anniversary of the liberation serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom and the enduring bond between the Netherlands and the United States. The gratitude and respect shown by both countries for the sacrifices made during the war highlight the strong relationship between the two nations.
