We are Mission Margraten Plus, located in New York. Mission Margraten Plus was born from the desire of our local WWII veterans to reintegrate into their communities through local and international events. Every year in May, we take WWII veterans to the Netherlands, and this year will be our 6th trip to Europe!
Our organization was officially founded in 2021 as a federally recognized nonprofit and in that time, we have earned Platinum status on GuideStar. But in our hearts, the members of Mission Margraten Plus have made it their goal since 2014 to help veterans feel honored for their service during WWII AND feel relevant again today.
Through civic engagement, our 98 to 105 year old WWII veterans have experienced the importance of sharing their stories and interacting with people. A major component of our work revolves around education through our Education Bridge program, where our veterans meet with Dutch and American students throughout the year for their chance to learn about the war from Living History and keep intergenerational connections alive.
As much as our veterans and their families love the events we plan in America, Mission Margraten Plus' work internationally has garnered much respect in the Netherlands. Last year, we met the Prime Minister and the King of the Netherlands. We are grateful to be in the company of people who understand the importance of honoring fallen American soldiers at the Netherlands American Military Cemetery.
It is because of this gratitude that we created an annual event called the Gratitude and Peace Ceremony, where we celebrate the Dutch families who have adopted a grave of an American soldier who died fighting for freedom against Nazi occupation.
Our veterans love the respect, and as a result the lifelong friendship, they receive while in the Netherlands, making that country a second home for our American veterans. For the first time in over eighty years, we watch our boys become young men again. It is truly a sight to behold.
Please help us make our 6th trip possible for the sake of our WWII veterans. Visit our Facebook page at Mission Margraten Plus to learn more about our events year round and to see wonderful photos! You can also view our website at missionmargratenplus.org for more information and to make a donation directly.
Help us make One Last Mission possible. Thank you.