New York Times bestselling author Robert Edsel is the keynote speaker. His latest book, “Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II,” tells the story of the Netherlands American Cemetery. Edsel will discuss the bond between the Netherlands and the United States exemplified by the grave adoption program of the cemetery in Margraten. The final resting place for 8,288 Americans who fought and died in World War II, every grave in Margraten is adopted by a Dutch family who tends to each one in gratitude to honor American bravery.

The Freedom Concert will also feature speeches by Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar and Jennifer Madello, Superintendent of George Washington Memorial Parkway of the National Park Service and musical performances by carillonneurs, the Dutch Regimental Orchestra “Guards Grenadiers and Rifles,” and vocalist Julia Schutten. Exhibits on World War II military vehicles and the history of the carillon will be on display as well.

The public is invited to attend this free concert and can register at: https://freedomconcert2025.eventbrite.com/

Ambassador Tazelaar, and Robert Edsel will be available for interviews. Media must RSVP to: was-ppc@minbuza.nl by May 2 to cover the event.

Every year, the Freedom Concert is held on the Netherlands’ Liberation Day, which is celebrated on May 5. The Netherlands Carillon was presented to the people of the United States in 1952 in appreciation for US assistance during and after World War II.