At Sunday 9 September, the beginning of a week where the liberation of the southern region of the Province of Limburg in 1944 is commemorated, the Limburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO) performed Guiseppe Verdi´s Requiem at the Netherlands American Cemetery Margraten.

It was the second time that an event of this kind took place at one of the cemeteries maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). So there is good hope that a new tradition is born. A tradition where an annual tribute is given to the unselfish sacrifices of so many young men, who gave their lives so we can live our lives like we do momentarily in a free, democratic and peaceful society.

Director Enrico Delamboye and the four solists with the orchestra. In the background the inscription of the Tower/Chapel : In Memory of the Valor and the Sacrifices which Hallow This Soil.

As far as the performers, the Limburg Symphony Orchestra, are concerned it is already a tradition, as they are working on the concert for September next year.

For the visitors, including the webmasters of Fallen But Not Forgotten, the concert was an excellent, terrific, goosebump tribute to those who died in the course of our freedom.

In his opening words, Mayor Beers of Margraten emphasized the essence of the event, a tribute to peace which is not to be taken for granted, as we are confronted with the notion that lesser people are aware of what happened in the second world war.

The concert was performed by :

The Limburg Symphony Orchestra
Director : Enrico Delamboye
Soprano : Barbara Haveman
Mezzosoprano : Ewa Wolak
Tenor : Marius Brenciu
Bas : Phelipe Bou Jiminez
Vocals : Classical Choir Antwerp

The stage in front of the cemetery's tower where the Requiem was performed

The Requiem Concert is a cultural event of a high standard which stipulates the importance of commemorating the lives lost in a bitter and costly war decades ago. That is why a Memorial Center adjacent to the cemetery is in the works. This Memorial Center will serve as an opportunity to honor, commemorate and learn about the sacrifices in the perspective of peace, freedom, democracy and a tolerant, respectful society.

The Memorial Center will be the location of permanent and temporary exhibits, displays and courses as well as seminars. At all times the phocus will be on the cemetery in Margraten. Other American fields of honor in the region, such as Henri-Chapelle and Neuville-En-Condroz will have their share as well, though.

A library and study center will facilitate a portal to an indepth understanding of the people who found their final resting place here.

Contemporary audio and visual presentation techniques will support schools and other visitors in their search for info about the cemetery and all it's related themes.

For the Foundation Adoption Graves American Cemetery Margraten there will be a permanent location at the Memorial Center.

the concert is a worthy and respectful tribute to those who lost their lives at such a young age