If Roger Kilfoil has his way, Long Island WWII veterans will fly to the Netherlands in September 2024, for the 80^th Anniversary of the Dutch Liberation plus Operation Market Garden. 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 10,000 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. “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,” he added. That’s why Kilfoil, VP of Honor Flight Long Island and a Marine veteran, decided to establish Mission Margraten Plus. During their recent trip in May of 2024, 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 80^th Anniversary Commemorations. During this trip, they will meet with the King and Queen of the Netherlands, who will personally honor our veterans. “Taking part in these events marking that historic anniversary, is truly a great honor for these veterans,” Kilfoil said.  And, you can bet Kilfoil’s veterans were excited to learn they will participate in the Netherland’s annual week-long Liberation Day Celebrations from September 9-23, 2024.   

Roger Kilfoil, Mission Margraten Plus President and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
 

Kilfoil knows his wonderful group of veterans are eager and ready to go, but that all may not be able to make it. Some are over 100, many are in their late 90’s.  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.

One more thing, there’s an urgent need to raise funds for travel expenses. Please call Roger or Stephanie Folwell, (631) 766-3296 or email Roger at rkfdny@yahoo.com. Donate on their website: www.missionmargratenplus.org. For additional details and to donate, please go to: GoFundMe site: Fundraiser by Stephanie Folwell : Fund WWII Veterans' Trip to The Netherlands (gofundme.com)  We’re counting on the News Media to get the word out to Long Island’s thousands of veterans, their families and friends, businesses and other patriotic Americans. Semper Fidelis!