LI WWII Veterans Flying To Netherlands For 80th Anniversary Of Dutch Liberation From Nazis

LONG ISLAND, NY — If Roger Kilfoil has his way, Long Island WWII veterans will fly to the Netherlands in September for the 80th anniversary of the Dutch Liberation, plus Operation Market Garden, according to a news release.

Kilfoil launched his nonprofit organization in 2019 and has made three trips to the Netherlands since.

The first trip brought WWII veterans to thank Dutch Grave Adoption families for honoring 10K fallen American soldiers at the U.S. military cemetery in Margraten. Later trips brought veterans to annual celebrations of the Dutch Liberation from Nazi Germany.

"Our WWII veterans are given a way to feel relevant again," Kilfoil said in a news release. "Many are widowers and have little or no family or friends, can no longer attend VFWs to socialize with peers. Isolated and alone, some become depressed and no longer feel like the Greatest Generation heroes they once were."

That’s why Kilfoil, vice president of Honor Flight Long Island and a Marine veteran, decided to
establish Mission Margraten Plus. During their trip in May, they were feted by politicians, military officers, WWII historians and the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands.

As a result of all their visits, Kilfoil and his veterans have been invited as guests of honor for the 80th Anniversary Commemorations. During this trip, they are set to meet with the King and Queen of the Netherlands, who will personally honor Long Island veterans.

"Taking part in these events marking that historic anniversary, is truly a great honor for these veterans," Kilfoil said.

The veterans were excited to learn they will participate in the Netherland’s annual week-long Liberation Day Celebrations from Sept. 9 through 23, according to the release.

"Kilfoil knows his wonderful group of veterans are eager and ready to go, but that all may not be
able to make it," the release states. "Some are over 100, many are in their late 90s. That’s why Kilfoil asks all Long Islanders to pray that his 'Band of Brothers' remains steadfast and able to perform 'One Last Mission' for the United States of America."

Mission Margraten states there is an "urgent need" to raise money for veterans' travel expenses. Those willing to help were asked to call Roger or Stephanie Folwell at 631-766-3296 or email Roger at rkfdny@yahoo.com.

People can also donate on the Mission Margraten Plus website.

The public was invited to cheer on the Long Island WWII veterans. Their flight from JFK airport is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. Sept. 9 on KLM flight number 642. People were asked to arrive 90 minutes before the flight.