Forgotten in the Field to Cherished in a Museum

NETHERLANDS - There are not too many people that can claim a World War II museum in their home - but Herman Wijhoven is one that can.

"It's important to never forget what they brought us," said Herman Wijnhoven, the chairman of the Groesbeek Airborne Friends. 82 years after the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers landed in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden to begin the liberation of the Dutch, Wijnhoven is doing his part to ensure those memories never die.

Wijnhoven has been the chairman of the Groesbeek Airborne Friends since 2021. The organization helps preserve the memory of the battles and sacrifices surrounding Operation Market Garden through commemorations and events throughout the region.

The All American Division has been intertwined with Wijnhoven since he was a child. While on his father's farm in Groesbeek, he encountered remnants of the fighting that had taken place in the area decades prior.

"As a little child, I would go into the fields of my father's farm, and there were still parts of parachutes or ammunition, and I got very interested in that," said Wijnhoven.

For approximately 60 years, Wijnhoven has collected World War II and 82nd Airborne Division artifacts. His collection has grown into a personal museum in his home in Groesbeek, with artifacts he received from the farm, American veterans and their families.

The collection is not just about the items themselves, it is a way to remember the American Soldiers who fought and died in Groesbeek and the friendship that has continued between the Dutch and Americans since the liberation.

"We know why we are here, we're standing here because of you, the Americans," said Wijnhoven. "So it is still very important for us, these days, to commemorate all that the Americans did for us."

For decades, American veterans returned to Groesbeek to reconnect with the Dutch communities they helped liberate and to continue their relationship long after the fighting ended.

"About 60 years ago the veterans started coming to our village," Wijnhoven said. "Since then we've welcomed them with special dinners, looking at the surroundings, and going with them to special places," said Wijnhoven.

The relationship between the Dutch and Americans can still be seen throughout Groesbeek. The town is home to more than 20 monuments connected to World War II, including a monument dedicated to Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden.

"The biggest monument, a really large monument, is a General Gavin monument," said Wijnhoven. "For a small village, that's quite a lot of monuments, and we feel so near to the Americans."

That connection has also grown beyond commemorations, memorials and monuments. Wijnhoven has developed friendships with Americans, including members of the U.S. military.

"I have a lot of friends in America, some of who are Soldiers," said Wijnhoven. "They even call me a Dutch brother."

More than eight decades after American paratroopers landed in the fields surrounding Groesbeek, the history of Operation Market Garden continues to bring Dutch and American communities together.

"I really thank you for all what you have done for us," said Wijnhoven. "I will never forget the Americans."