Memorial Day Thoughts

My uncle

My mother’s only sibling, Uncle Bill, was killed at age 19 in World War II, just following the end of the war. The above listing of his name is in the National Archives of those killed in action. Thank you to Michael for finding it.

Below is a screenshot of his name as it appears among others killed from the county of his birth in Delaware.

Bill Gawthrop is buried in Margraten, The Netherlands, not far from where he was killed. His grave is in the American Cemetary there, an absolutely beautiful place which I have visited a few times. It is always a very moving experience on Memorial Day. I feel the affection and gratefulness of the community towards the American soldiers who died in those battles for freedom. Each grave is adopted by a local family, and I met Bill’s family when there; they visit his grave regularly.

I wrote about my first visit there for Medium, and illustrated it, which you can read here. I so wish I was there today.

Thank you, Uncle Bill. I honor you today, and all the thousands who sacrifice their lives to keep the world free.

William Ralph Gawthrop, Jr.

Uncle Bill is buried there in the second row where I drew the flags