American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer, a member of the 30th Infantry Division, returned to Mesch, a small village in the Netherlands, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation from German occupation. Thayer, now 99 years old, was greeted by the Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, who recognized the sacrifices made by Thayer and his fellow soldiers in the fight for freedom. The event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration to honor the country’s liberation and the role played by the Allied forces. Thayer vividly remembers the day of liberation, where he and his comrades crossed the border from Belgium to bring freedom to the people of Mesch.
In September 1944, American troops from the 30th Infantry Division played a crucial role in liberating parts of Belgium and the southern Netherlands from German occupation. Thayer, who was on a reconnaissance mission the night before the liberation, vividly recalls the moment when they realized they had crossed the border and were entering Dutch territory. For Thayer and his fellow soldiers, it was just another day at the front line, but for the residents of Mesch, it was a momentous occasion that marked the end of over four years of Nazi oppression. Thayer honors his fallen comrades who did not make it through the war and acknowledges that he is representing them at the commemorative event.
Residents of Mesch were among the first Dutch citizens to experience post-war freedom when American troops, led by Thayer and his fellow soldiers, crossed the border from Belgium on September 12, 1944. The liberation of Mesch was a symbol of hope for the rest of the country, as the Allied forces continued to push through the Netherlands, eventually leading to the entire country being freed from German occupation. The gratitude felt by the residents of Mesch towards the American soldiers remains deeply rooted in the region, with stories of their bravery and sacrifice passed down through generations.
During the commemorative event in Mesch, Thayer, the Dutch royals, and the residents paid tribute to the American liberators who played a significant role in the village’s history. The bond between the American soldiers and the Dutch people was strong, with Thayer noting that the Dutch were always “tops” with them. The ceremony was a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the Allied forces during World War II and served as a tribute to all those who fought for freedom and democracy. Thayer’s presence at the event was a testament to the enduring friendship between the US and the Netherlands.
As Thayer walked arm-in-arm with the Dutch queen through the streets of Mesch, the significance of the moment was not lost on the residents or the visitors. The ceremony served as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the American soldiers who fought to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Thayer’s return to Mesch after 80 years was a poignant moment of remembrance and reflection, as he honored his fellow soldiers who did not survive the war. The event highlighted the enduring bond between the American and Dutch people, united in their shared history of fighting for freedom and democracy.
The commemorations in Mesch and the surrounding regions were a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Allied forces, particularly the American soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division. The events marked the beginning of a year-long celebration to honor the liberation of the Netherlands and the role played by the Allied forces in World War II. Thayer’s presence at the event as a guest of honor was a reminder of the courage and determination of the soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy. The commemoration served as a powerful reminder of the shared history between the US and the Netherlands, united in their commitment to uphold the values of liberty and justice.
