[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        GERARD AND MYRIAM UBAGHS

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
efforts of Gerard and Myriam Ubaghs of Margraten, Netherlands, who have 
cared for the graves of American servicemen killed in the line of duty 
during World War II. In September of 1944, the United States Army 
reached the German frontier and entered the Netherlands near the city 
of Maastricht. By September 13, 1944, the troops of the U.S. 30th 
Infantry Division liberated part of eastern Holland, freeing the area 
from the grip of Nazi Germany. During the battle, 8,302 soldiers lost 
their lives including American servicemen from every state in the 
Union.
  I, as well as all American citizens, am truly thankful for the 
bravery, valor, and patriotism shown by our soldiers who fought and 
died for their country on that day and every day of World War II. These 
servicemen not only gave their lives for their country, but also died 
for the people of the Netherlands. For this, the citizens of the 
Netherlands have been and remain truly grateful to the fallen soldiers 
of the U.S. Army.
  One manifestation of their appreciation is their care for the 
Netherlands American Cemetery in the town of Margraten, in the Limburg 
Province of the Netherlands. This cemetery is the only one of its kind 
in the Netherlands. It was established in November of 1944 and free use 
of the land as a permanent burial ground was granted, without charge or 
taxation by the government of the Netherlands. The cemetery occupies 
65.5 acres and includes a 101 foot-tall tower, a Court of Honor, a 
chapel and a reflecting pool. Among the 8,302 graves lie the remains of 
American, English, Canadian and Mexican troops.
  I would like to thank not only the people of the Netherlands for this 
cemetery, but two individuals in particular who have honored our fallen 
servicemen for fifty-three years. They are Gerard and Myriam Ubaghs. As 
children, after the liberation of their town by American troops, they 
adopted and cared for two graves until the bodies were identified and 
returned to the United States. To this day, they continue to honor our 
fallen soldiers and express much gratitude to America.
  I would like to officially acknowledge the Ubaghs and the people of 
Margraten, and thank them for their gracious deeds and for honoring our 
fallen soldiers. Their service is a reminder to all of us how the 
efforts of such brave soldiers on a day more than fifty years ago 
effects people around the world even today.

                          ____________________