Black Soldier WWII Display Removed from US Cemetery: Controversy Erupts
In the winter of 1944, African American soldiers like 1st Sgt. Jefferson Wiggins were tasked with burying fallen US service members in the Netherlands, a grueling and discriminatory duty during World War II. Recently, the American Battle Monuments Commission removed a display at the Margraten cemetery that honored these contributions and highlighted the discrimination they faced, sparking controversy. The agency stated the panel’s removal was due to an internal review, while the display’s removal has prompted calls for its reinstallation by local Dutch officials and the late 1st Lt. Wiggins’ widow. The panel removal has drawn scrutiny regarding the ABMC’s mission and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Black soldiers who fought during the war.
John Q. Hosedrinker