Operation Tulip Summary
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.
Take Action: Help Restore African American Memorial Panels in the Netherlands
The MOH PFC James USA Memorial Fund supports a petition calling for the restoration of memorial panels honoring African American World War II soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. These panels recognize the service, sacrifice, and contributions of Black American soldiers who helped liberate Europe. Their removal represents a loss of important historical recognition.
Join us in preserving their legacy. Sign the petition and help ensure that the sacrifices of these American heroes are never forgotten.
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 May 2027.
Strengthen partnerships that preserve World War II history and honor those who served.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Get Involved
This journey is open to the public! If you're interested in joining us, complete our travel interest form to receive updates as planning progresses:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSd3.../viewform
Please note: Completing the interest form does not constitute a travel reservation or financial commitment. Travel details, costs, and arrangements will be shared as they become available.
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:
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Restore the memorial panels recognizing the African-American soldiers who served, died, and are interred at Margraten.
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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:
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Greater Kansas City Chapter, AUSA (#5503)
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Greater Kansas City Council of the Navy League of the United States
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Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH)
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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:
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Travel to the Netherlands to personally thank these families.
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Present certificates, letters, or tokens of recognition.
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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:
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Quartermaster and Graves Registration service
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Infantry volunteer companies (post-1944)
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Transport and logistics (Red Ball Express)
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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
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Deliver a letter to the President requesting restoration of the Black Liberators memorial and formal acknowledgment of Dutch caretakers.
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Present historical evidence and community support from U.S. veterans’ and cultural organizations.
Phase II — Partnership Expansion
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Secure endorsements, sponsorship, and collaborative programming with local, state, and national organizations, including museums, archives, and civic groups.
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Develop educational materials on the Black Liberators for schools and community partners.
Phase III — Pilgrimage & Recognition Mission
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Visit Margraten with a small delegation.
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Hold ceremonies with Dutch families and Margraten officials.
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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.
