Operation Tulip | mohpfcjames

Operation Tulip Summary

Join us in a heartfelt commemorative visit to Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten in April 2026. We aim to express our deep gratitude to 8,500 Dutch families who have lovingly adopted each American grave, honoring the memory over 8,000 fallen servicembers, including 174 brave African American soldiers from Operation Tulip. We invite Kansas City-area veteran and heritage organizations to support, partner and participate in this meaningful initiative, as we collectively adopt the cemetery spirit. Together, let us strengthen our international bonds and reaffirm that America will always remember its fallen—no man left behind.

Operation Tulip is a heritage, remembrance, and diplomatic goodwill initiative created in response to the removal of the memorial panels honoring African American soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery (Margraten) during the previous U.S. administration. These panels commemorated the Black Liberators of World War II — approximately 174 African American servicemen buried or memorialized at Margraten — many of whom served in segregated units and performed some of the most dangerous wartime tasks, and reporting by Newsweek, these soldiers played a direct role in the liberation of the Netherlands and in the establishment of the Margraten cemetery itself.

About Operation Tulip

Operation Tulip is a collaborative initiative led by Kansas City–area veteran organizations to formally support and participate in the adoption of graves at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

For nearly eighty years, Dutch families have faithfully cared for the graves of American soldiers who gave their lives in the liberation of Europe during World War II. Our goal is to honor their dedication by adopting graves and expressing our heartfelt gratitude.

Our Mission

Coordinate efforts among Kansas City veterans to adopt and honor graves at Margraten.
Express appreciation to Dutch families for their unwavering commitment to American service members.

Plan for future engagement, recognition, and potential travel to the Netherlands in 2026.
Strengthen partnerships that preserve World War II history and honor those who served.

Our Mission

Get Involved

Your support and insights are vital to making Operation Tulip a success. Join us in honoring our fallen heroes and strengthening the bonds of international friendship. If you are a veteran, family member, or supporter interested in participating, please reach out for more details or to share recommendations.

Contact Information
Robert Gray III
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
President, MOH PFC James USA Memorial Fund
Email: mohpfcjamesfund@gmail.com

Get Involved

Donations

Your support to this cause is greatly appreciated.

Purpose of Operation Tulip

1. Restore the Margraten Black Liberators Memorial

Petition the current administration to:

Restore the memorial panels recognizing the African-American soldiers who served, died, and are interred at Margraten.
Officially acknowledge the Dutch families who have adopted and cared for their graves — a tradition unique to Margraten and a model of international remembrance.

2. Engage U.S. Veterans’ and Cultural Organizations

Operation Tulip seeks to build a coalition of organizations committed to safeguarding military history, racial equity in remembrance, and international goodwill.

Confirmed partnership intentions include:

Greater Kansas City Chapter, AUSA (#5503)
Greater Kansas City Council of the Navy League of the United States
Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH)
Black Archives of Mid-America, Kansas City

These groups will help with outreach, sponsorship, education, and public advocacy.

3. Honor Dutch Families Who Adopt American Graves

Margraten is the only American military cemetery where every grave is adopted by a local Dutch family.

Operation Tulip aims to:

Travel to the Netherlands to personally thank these families.
Present certificates, letters, or tokens of recognition.
Create a short documentary or recorded testimonials capturing their stories.

This international exchange reinforces a shared commitment to memory, gratitude, and alliance.

Historical Significance

Black Liberators of WWII

The Europeana project Black Liberators during World War II highlights long-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers in:

Quartermaster and Graves Registration service
Infantry volunteer companies (post-1944)
Transport and logistics (Red Ball Express)
Armored units such as the 784th Tank Battalion

These men were essential to operations in the Netherlands and the physical creation of the Margraten cemetery.

Pfc Wiley F. James — A Unique Distinction

Among the seven African-American Medal of Honor recipients recognized during the 1997 White House ceremony, Pfc Wiley F. James is the only one interred overseas — resting at Margraten. His presence underscores the cemetery’s central importance to African-American military history.

Strategic Vision

Operation Tulip will unfold in three phases:

Phase I — Federal Petition

Deliver a letter to the President requesting restoration of the Black Liberators memorial and formal acknowledgment of Dutch caretakers.
Present historical evidence and community support from U.S. veterans’ and cultural organizations.

Phase II — Partnership Expansion

Secure endorsements, sponsorship, and collaborative programming with local, state, and national organizations, including museums, archives, and civic groups.
Develop educational materials on the Black Liberators for schools and community partners.

Phase III — Pilgrimage & Recognition Mission

Visit Margraten with a small delegation.
Hold ceremonies with Dutch families and Margraten officials.
Record interviews to support a lasting digital and archival project.

Strategic Vision

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.