MESCH, Netherlands — American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer re-visited the tiny Dutch village of Mesch 80 years after he and others in the 30th Infantry Division liberated it from Nazi occupation. Thayer, now 99 years old, was accompanied by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima for a commemorative ceremony that kicks off a year of events honoring the anniversary of the country’s liberation.
Thayer and the royal couple arrived at Mesch in a vintage military truck, driving along a muddy track through orchards and fields. Queen Maxima extended a supporting hand to Thayer as they walked towards their seats to observe the tribute ceremony dedicated to the American liberators.
During World War II, the 30th Infantry Division, also known as Old Hickory, played a crucial role in freeing parts of Belgium and southern Netherlands from German occupation in September 1944. Thayer vividly remembers the liberation day, sharing how he embarked on a reconnaissance mission the night before and encountered no Germans.
Despite the historic nature of the day, Thayer humbly paid homage to his fallen comrades who didn’t survive the war, acknowledging the significant sacrifices made by countless soldiers. Mesch residents were among the first Dutch citizens to experience postwar freedom when American troops, including Thayer, crossed the border from Belgium into the village on September 12, 1944.
The journey through Belgium, Netherlands, and into Germany was a challenging one for American forces, with an American cemetery in Margraten nearby holding the graves of 8,288 servicemen and women. The locals, as a symbol of gratitude, have adopted each grave, honoring the memories of the fallen soldiers by regularly visiting and bringing flowers on special occasions.
Jef Tewissen, a 74-year-old resident born in Mesch, expressed the deep-rooted gratitude of the region towards the American liberators. Thayer reciprocated these sentiments, stating that the Dutch people were always held in high regard by the American troops.
