During Memorial Day, the United States annually commemorates all their fallen soldiers on the last Monday in May. The memorial service in Margraten traditionally takes place on the Sunday before. The American Cemetery Margraten was taken into use by the American army on November 10, 1944. The territory liberated by the Americans in September 1944 was permanently made available by the Dutch government as a cemetery.
During the commemoration, in addition to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Ambassador in the Netherlands Marcus Micheli, American Brigadier General Andrew Saslav, ABMC Executive Director of Operations Thomas Spoehr, and the Governor of the Province of Limburg Emile Roemer will give a short speech. Minister Brekelmans of Defense and Commander of the Armed Forces General Eichelsheim are also present at the commemoration ceremony. After the ceremony, the King speaks with several veterans.
In 2024 and 2025, the Netherlands celebrates 80 years of freedom. Members of the Royal House and members of the cabinet attend various celebrations and commemorations in this context. They thereby support the commitment to values such as freedom, justice, and democracy, which are never taken for granted.