The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial (Dutch: Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten) is a World War II military cemetery located in the village of Margraten, approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Maastricht, in the southernmost part of the Netherlands. Dedicated in 1960, it is the only American military cemetery in the country. The site spans 26.5 hectares (65 acres) and is the final resting place for over 8,000 American service members, with the exact number varying over time. The cemetery is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).
The cemetery sits on ground with deep historical significance, near the ancient Cologne-Boulogne highway—originally built by the Romans and once used by Julius Caesar during his campaigns in the region. Over the centuries, this route was also traversed by Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, Hitler’s forces advanced along this historic road during their invasion of the Low Countries. Just over four years later, in September 1944, German troops again used it—this time in retreat.
The cemetery’s tall memorial tower is visible even before reaching the site, which spans 65.5 acres. From the entrance, visitors are guided to the Court of Honor, where a reflecting pool mirrors the tower above. At the base of the tower stands a statue symbolizing the grief of women who have endured great loss. Flanking the court are the visitor building and the map room, the latter featuring three large engraved maps detailing American military operations in the region.
Along the court’s sides are the Tablets of the Missing, inscribed with the names of 1,722 service members. Rosettes beside some names indicate those who have since been recovered and identified.
Inside the tower is a chapel. Its light fixture, altar candelabra, and flower bowl were gifts from the Dutch government and the local provincial authorities. Beyond the tower lies the burial area, arranged into 16 plots and containing the graves of 8,288 American war dead, their headstones set in graceful arcs. A wide, tree-lined mall leads from the graves to the flagstaff, which marks the highest point of the cemetery.
