And the hits just keep on coming! Received this letter this morning. How wonderful to know we've been helpful to others.
Hey Marion,
I'm a 60-years-old man form Margraten in the south - Netherlands.
In our village is the WO II - American Cemetery (see: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/ne.php ))
There are American-soldier 8301 buried since 1945. President George Bush visited the cemetery in 2005.
Since several years I adopt the grave a the American soldier: Joseph Bollenbacher. On Memorial Day and some other days
I visit the cemetery and lay flowers at the grave of Joseph. He serviced the 554th engineer on heavy pontoon en died:
23-Februay-1945.
His wife (Gold Star mother) and two daughters visited his grave in 1972 and stay at mine mothers'home.
Many years we correspond with the family who lives in Ft. recovery and Coldwater (Ohio).
Since the begin of ' 80's: we lost contact.
During my search - tour by knowing more about the 554th heavy pontoon battalion amazing I found your internet site.
It what really amazing to find: the 554th E books and for the first time I saw a picture off Joseph Bollenbacher.
Next days I'm reading that book.
By the way: your site is under mine Favorites on my computer and in the future I will visit your site to know and read more about our liberators. Our heartfelt thanks for all concerned people.
I hope you can read this message while mine English is not good.
If you are interested to know about us in Margraten, let me know.
With friendly regards,
Mr. Michel Kleijnen.
Van Schaluynhofstraat 3
6269 DC Margraten
The Netherlands
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"