Jackson Blasts Removal of WWII Memorials Honoring Black Veterans, Backs Cleaver-Led Push to Restore Displays

CHICAGO, IL; Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration quietly directed the removal of memorial panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, following pressure from right-wing activists:

"It is unconscionable that any administration; American or otherwise; would seek to erase the sacrifice of Black soldiers who fought, bled, and died to defend democracy around the world. These men helped defeat fascism abroad while enduring segregation and discrimination at home. To strip their memory from sacred ground is not only disrespectful; it is historical vandalism."

The removed displays, dedicated in 2024 at the cemetery where more than 8,000 Americans and approximately 172 Black soldiers are buried, told the story of the "Black Liberators of Margraten," including telephone engineer George H. Pruitt, who died while trying to save a fellow soldier. One panel described how over one million African Americans served in World War II, often confined to support roles and forced to fight both the enemy abroad and entrenched racism within their own military.

Reports indicate that the decision to pull the panels followed complaints from the Heritage Foundation, which accused the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) of violating Trump-era directives targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Local Dutch officials and political parties have condemned the removal as "indecent" and "unacceptable," underscoring the deep respect in the Netherlands for the Black Liberators of Margraten.

"When the record of our nation grows inconvenient to those who trade in revisionism, they reach for the eraser instead of the truth," Congressman Jackson said. "This decision dishonors the very freedoms those Black GIs defended. We must never let their stories be buried a second time."

Congressman Jackson is a proud supporter and signatory of the effort led by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), in which more than 30 Members of Congress have called on ABMC to immediately restore the displays honoring Black servicemembers at Margraten and to explain the circumstances of their removal. The Cleaver-led letter emphasizes that more than one million African Americans served in World War II and that the 172 Black soldiers interred at the Netherlands American Cemetery must be fully and permanently recognized in the visitor center and public interpretation.

"In addition to pursuing my own oversight efforts, I have joined Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and many of my colleagues in a formal letter demanding that the Black servicemember displays at Margraten be restored without delay," Jackson stated. "Their letter makes clear that the service and sacrifice of more than a million African American troops, and of the Black Liberators of Margraten in particular, are not optional footnotes; they are central to the history of World War II."

Congressman Jackson is calling for vigorous oversight, including hearings in the House committees with jurisdiction, to ensure that U.S. historical representations overseas are not manipulated by partisan or ideological pressures. He has expressed support for requiring ABMC to adopt policies that guarantee permanent, prominent recognition of Black servicemembers' contributions at Margraten and at all American cemeteries and memorials under its care.

"Every American who wears the uniform deserves to be remembered with dignity; regardless of race or rank," Jackson added. "I stand shoulder to shoulder with Congressman Cleaver and every member of Congress insisting that ABMC restore these displays, commit to permanent recognition of the Black Liberators of Margraten, and ensure that the truth of their service is never again subject to partisan pressure or quiet removal."

Congressman Jackson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has long advocated for correcting racial disparities in veterans' benefits and for elevating the stories of Black servicemembers whose heroism was too often ignored upon their return home.

"History is truth in service of justice," Jackson concluded. "The story of the Black Liberators of Margraten will not be erased; not on my watch and not on behalf of the people I serve."