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The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Today we mourn the passing of a great American and friend, Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger, who died yesterday after 92 remarkable years....

Robert M. Edsel

Nov 7, 2018

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

This morning, Friday December 16th, in Munich, the Monuments Men Foundation, in conjunction with the National World War II Museum,...

Robert M. Edsel

Dec 16, 2016

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

This is one of the most famous photos of the Monuments Men, and it just so happens to also be the cover photo of The Monuments Men. It...

Robert M. Edsel

Jun 18, 2014

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

It is the world’s most famous painting, and yet few people know that the Mona Lisa was once stolen. It was Monday, August 21, 1911, when...

Robert M. Edsel

Dec 10, 2013

Robert's Instagram

Glenn Beck called my book Remember Us “the most INCREDIBLE WWII story you’ve NEVER HEARD.”

I’m grateful to him for giving this story a platform and helping shine a light on the extraordinary bond between fallen American soldiers and the Dutch civilians who have never forgotten their sacrifice. And I couldn’t agree more — this hidden chapter of World War II deserves to be remembered.

🔗If you missed it, you can listen to the full conversation here: https://www.glennbeck.com/radio/most-incredible-world-never-heard?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLiWktleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkE9nIT9lggrQD8BAino16FMcH5dOie6r8gaUv6QawYggyHMPB9W_0M81OIA_aem_xiiTm5FSyNuYiUUuCFQL9w

Tucked away in the town of Galatina in Puglia lies a true artistic treasure: Basilica di Santa Caterina D’Alessandria.

This church, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, is home to some of the most remarkable frescoes in all of southern Italy.

Stepping inside, I was surrounded by vibrant 14th-century frescoes that reflect the influence of Giotto and bring biblical stories to life. Art has long been used to teach, inspire, and connect us to something greater than ourselves, and these works are a powerful reminder.

Pictures can only hint at their majesty. If you find yourself in Puglia, make time to experience them in person!

There’s something magical about an Italian sunset.

Moments like this are a reminder to pause and to be grateful — for family, for beauty, and for simply being alive.

I hope your summer is filled with joy, and moments that make you stop and smile.

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

There’s something about seeing the flag through a child’s eyes that brings it all into focus, and reminds me what this country stands for: Hope. Sacrifice. Pride. Possibility.

This photo shows my young son holding an American flag he made in school, but what makes it especially meaningful to me is what he chose to hold alongside it: a photo of his grandfather, my dad, who served in World War II.

That’s what the 4th of July is really about. Not just our independence, but the people who’ve defended it. The families who’ve endured its costs. And the responsibility we all share to remember those who paved the way for our freedoms.

Wherever you are this holiday weekend, I hope you’ll take a quiet moment to remember those who made today possible. I know I will.

With heartfelt thanks to all who have served, and warm wishes to you and your family for a safe and happy 4th of July.

#4thofJuly

While my focus is presently on our veterans and helping raise awareness of the unique Dutch grave adoption program through my NYT Bestselling book, REMEMBER US, I remain passionate about art and culture. I hope you enjoy this example of how sculpture “moves” in the town of Matera, Italy.

🇺🇸🇳🇱“The ties that were forged back then can never be broken.”

This week, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands addressed NATO leaders and spoke movingly of the graves at Margraten — each one adopted by Dutch families in a tradition that continues to this day.

His words before NATO speak to the lasting power of remembrance and the deep bond between our nations.

This is exactly why I wrote ‘Remember Us,’ to preserve and share the story of that extraordinary bond between American liberators and the Dutch families who have honored them for generations.

It’s a story not only of sacrifice and gratitude, but of humanity at its best.

🔗To read the King’s full remarks: https://www.royal-house.nl/documents/speeches/2025/06/24/speech-by-his-majesty-king-willem-alexander-at-the-dinner-on-the-eve-of-the-nato-summit-huis-ten-bosch-palace

Jefferson Wiggins was just 16 when he left the deep South for war-torn Europe.

Raised in Alabama under the shadow of Jim Crow, he joined the U.S. Army hoping to escape poverty and racism—but equality was still out of reach.

He neared the battlefront only to learn his new assignment: digging graves for fallen soldiers.

With quiet dignity, Jeff buried thousands of Americans at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, enduring brutal, unthinkable conditions. He carried out this sacred duty as a Black man in a segregated Army—honoring men who had freedoms he had yet to fully experience himself.

His story, featured in REMEMBER US, is an important reminder—on Juneteenth and every day—of the cost of freedom, the injustice of inequality, and the responsibility we all share to remember. #Juneteenth #rememberus

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures!

Today, I’m thinking of my own dad—a Marine Corps veteran from the Dustbowl of Oklahoma who bravely served in the Pacific at just 18 years old.

Following the war, he built a successful career in investment banking, but more importantly, he created a legacy of kindness and leadership, always putting others first. He was proud, to the end of his life, to have served his country during World War II.

Being a father to three boys has been my greatest joy and the most rewarding role of my life. I’m grateful everyday for the example my dad set.

To all the fathers watching golf with their kids, admiring a new finger painting made just for you, or celebrating with phone calls from afar—may your day be filled with love and lasting memories.

And to those, like me, who are missing their own dads today, I’m thinking of you.

#fathersday

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today we honor the enduring symbol of our nation — a flag that has flown on battlefields, over cemeteries, and through countless moments of triumph and sacrifice.

Thank you to all who have served beneath it, and to those who continue to carry its legacy forward in the name of freedom and our shared ideals.

🎧 “It was a family affair.” 🎧

In this excerpt from the audiobook of Remember Us, you'll hear how entire families stepped forward to honor the fallen American soldiers buried in their cemetery.

🎙️Narrated by the award-winning Dion Graham, this audiobook pulls you in and doesn’t let go. His voice brings these powerful, true stories to life with unforgettable depth and emotion.

📘 Now available wherever audiobooks are sold.

#RememberUs

I’m grateful to The Wall Street Journal (@wsj) for featuring “Remember Us,” both online and in today’s print edition.

The story of these fallen American soldiers and the Dutch families who have tended their graves for nearly 80 years continues to strike a deep chord. Thank you to the hashtag#WSJ for highlighting this remarkable legacy of remembrance.

#RememberUs #WWII #WallStreetJournal #Gratitude

Wrapping up the final week of this first leg of the Remember Us book tour — and what an incredible stretch it’s been. 📚✈️

Over the course of 63 days, we hit the road for 20 events and 3 satellite radio tours, each one leaving its mark.

1️⃣ Clarkston, MI: A powerful evening at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club — heartfelt thanks to all who joined us, and especially to my dear friend Mike. (@shepherdshollowgolfclub)
2️⃣ Detroit, MI: Honored to speak at the Detroit Athletic Club’s Literary Club. (@dac_detroit)
3️⃣ Cleveland, OH: A warm, engaged crowd at Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Beachwood Branch — thank you for the incredible welcome. (@cuyahogalib)
4️⃣ Toledo, OH: A full house at the stunning Main Library – Toledo Lucas County Public Library (@toledolibrary). The perfect close to this phase of the tour.

And the cherry on top: Remember Us is officially a New York Times (@nytimes) Bestseller!

"Grateful" doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you for the support and connection on this journey. More to come in the months ahead — stay tuned.

#RememberUs #HappyAuthor #BookTour #NYTBestseller #RobertEdsel #MonumentsMen #WWIIHistory #Grateful #OnTheRoad

#OnThisDay in 2007, the 63rd anniversary of D-Day, we marked a turning point in public recognition of one of World War II’s most important yet overlooked legacies.

At a ceremony in the halls of Congress, hosted by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congresswoman Kay Granger (@repkaygranger), I had the privilege of announcing the founding of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd).

That same day, both the U.S. House and Senate passed historic Resolutions formally honoring the extraordinary service of the Monuments Men and Women from all 14 Allied nations — a first in American history.

Among those attending were four of the Monuments Men themselves — Bernard Taper, James Reeds, Harry Ettlinger, and Horace Apgar — along with ambassadors and chargé d’affaires from many of the nations whose cultural heritage these heroes helped save.

Their courage safeguarded the soul of civilization! The foundation remains committed to honoring their legacy and completing their unfinished mission.

📍 June 6, 2007 | United States Capitol
🎖️ A legacy of honor, preserved.

June 6, 1944. D-Day. 🇺🇸

Just hours before the greatest invasion in history, General Eisenhower met with the men of the 101st Airborne—and came face to face with a young officer he once knew. What followed was a quiet moment of courage that still echoes today.

Eighty-one years later, we still walk in the freedom they fought for.

As I reflect on the bravery of the men who jumped behind enemy lines that day, I’m sharing the full D-Day chapter from REMEMBER US—a powerful glimpse into the courage and character of those who served.

I hope it moves you as deeply as it moved me.
 Link in bio to read the full chapter. 🔗

REMEMBER US is a New York Times Bestseller!

I’m so grateful to everyone who’s championed this book—whether you’ve joined us at an event, posted a kind review, shared it with a friend, or simply started reading. Your support has helped bring national attention to the untold stories of sacrifice, gratitude, and the enduring bonds between American families and the Dutch citizens who honor our fallen.

If you haven’t yet read Remember Us, now is the perfect time to discover the stories that are resonating with readers across the country.

#HappyAuthor #Bestseller #NYT #grateful

📣 Detroit Friends!

I’m headed your way next week, and I’d love for you to join me and hear about the powerful, untold stories behind my new book, Remember Us.

🗓️ Date: Monday, June 2 @ 6pm
📍 Location: Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club (@shepherdshollowgolfclub)
🔗 Details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/3HiUUgH

I can’t wait to see you there!

#RememberUs

🇺🇸Today marks the 80th Memorial Day since the end of World War II.

It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: What can I do to honor those who gave everything for our freedom?

Because in the end, we all want to be remembered—somehow, some way, by someone.

#MemorialDay

It was a pleasure sitting down with Brian Kilmeade for tonight’s episode of One Nation (@onenationfnc) with Brian Kilmeade. We had a thoughtful conversation about sacrifice, honoring service, and the importance of Memorial Day.

Tune in to the segment tonight on Fox News at 10PM ET. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share the stories of ‘Remember Us’ with new audiences.

#MemorialDay

Over Memorial Day Weekend, I’ll be sharing the powerful stories behind Remember Us on several programs including @msnbc’s @morningjoe, @foxnews’ @onenationfnc with @kilmeade, @newsnationnow, @cspan, and more.

These conversations honor the true purpose of Memorial Day: remembering those who gave their lives in service to our nation, and celebrating a legacy of gratitude that spans generations and continents.

Check out the full schedule of appearances below, and join me in honoring our fallen heroes.

#memorialday #memorialdayweekend #WWII

One of my favorite places to visit is The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and it was an absolute pleasure to be back there last week to share the story of ‘Remember Us.’ The Boeing Center—surrounded by WWII planes suspended from the ceiling—is such a unique and inspiring venue to talk about history. I’m in awe every single time I step onto that stage!

The Museum has always been a tremendous supporter of my work, and I’m so grateful to the entire team for the warm welcome back.

If you weren’t able to attend in person, good news: C-SPAN was there to film the program. I’ll share details about the air date as soon as I have them. Stay tuned!

What an unforgettable weekend at the Gettysburg Film Festival (@gettysburgfilmfestival) ! I was grateful to be invited to join such a remarkable group of historians and storytellers dedicated to preserving the legacy of WWII.

One of the highlights for me was sharing the stage with my dear friend Susan Eisenhower—granddaughter of General Eisenhower. The presence of her friend, the legendary Judy Collins, who joined us to sing songs from the WWII era, made it even more special. Among those in the audience was the son of Harry Ettlinger, one of the last living Monuments Men, who I miss every day. Seeing him there was a reminder that there are real lives behind the history we share.

The response to the stories in Remember Us was overwhelming—people waited 45 minutes in line for signed copies, and I was particularly moved by the number of young people eager to learn about this chapter of our shared past.

Gettysburg is sacred ground. To share stories of sacrifice and remembrance in that setting—where so many gave their lives for the cause of a more united nation, and where Lincoln spoke so eloquently of our duty to honor their sacrifice—was especially meaningful.

My thanks to everyone who spoke, organized, and attended the festival for making this weekend so unforgettable!

#rememberus #gettysburg #monumentsmen #happyauthor

“Leave your boys with us; we will watch over them like our own, forever.”

Grateful to The Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) for the opportunity to honor mothers everywhere by sharing the story of Emilie Michiels van Kessenich—one of the central figures in my book ‘Remember Us’ and a Dutch mother of twelve who turned a small town’s gratitude into a national act of remembrance for American soldiers buried far from home.

Emilie’s actions and those of her fellow countrymen and women remind us that grief is universal, that humanity knows no national or racial boundaries, and that we all want to be remembered, somehow, someway, by somebody.

This is a story that we need to know, especially today. And like your favorite fairy tale, you will be happier for having this beautiful and inspiring memory of something good and decent to carry with you and share with others all the days of your life.

Happy Mother’s Day!

On this special day when we celebrate the love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers everywhere, I want to introduce you to a Dutch mother of twelve, Emilie Michiels van Kessenich, whose extraordinary promise linked two nations in shared grief and enduring gratitude: “Leave your boys with us; we will watch over them like our own, forever.”

#mothersday #rememberus

"They fought their way onto the European continent and other lands far from home, determined to defeat the greatest threat to freedom the world had ever known. And when the fighting ended and freedom prevailed, most came home, but many did not. Even during the fight, one nation struggled with the question of how to thank your liberators when so many were no longer alive to thank. That nation was the Netherlands." Continue reading the text of my remarks at RobertEdsel.com/blog.

Once again, I am grateful to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the USA for inviting me to serve as the keynote speaker at their Freedom Concert.

Video clips courtesy of @nlintheusa

#freedom #foreverpromise #foreverpromiseproject #rememberus

On Monday, I had the great honor to speak about freedom and the heartwarming and inspirational demonstration of gratitude by the Dutch in creating a unique grave adoption program, which continues to honor their American liberators 80 years later.

Thank you to the Embassy of the Netherlands in the United States (@nlintheusa), and especially to Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar, for inviting me to serve as the keynote speaker at the Netherlands Freedom Concert. I am also grateful to our mutual friend, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States (@ukrainesembassyintheus), Oksana Markarova, for being among our special guests.

The event was a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between nations that cherish freedom and honor those who defend it.

Second 📷 courtesy of @nlintheusa

I can’t wait to be back at The National WWII Museum (@wwiimuseum ) in New Orleans for a presentation and book signing of ‘Remember Us’ on May 14! It is one of my favorite places and I can’t wait to share this story.

Tag a friend and meet me there!
#WWIIMuseum #BookTour #TourTuesday @shopwwii

What a week! Remember Us continues to find its way into the hearts of readers. So many meaningful moments. Thank you to every journalist, bookseller, and reader helping bring this story to life. A quick look back at some highlights:

1️⃣ Interview with @fox7austin  2️⃣ Glowing review from @nypost  3️⃣ Powerful conversation on @cbsdetroit
4️⃣ A Remember Us cookie from the amazing team at @harperhorizon to celebrate launch week 5️⃣ Seeing Remember Us on bookstore shelves for the first time 6️⃣ Meeting Dion Graham, the amazing voice behind the audiobook 7️⃣ Spotlight on @wish8news about the Remember Us and the Forever Promise Project @monumentsmenandwomenfnd  8️⃣ Wonderful book signing at @bnfredericksburg (@barnesandnoble in Fredericksburg, VA)

🔗 Catch up on all the interviews—link in bio or on my website robertedsel.com/press-and-appearances

🎧Yesterday in NYC, I had the pleasure of meeting Dion Graham—the narrator of the Remember Us audiobook—in person for the first time. We’ve spoken over Zoom, exchanged notes, and shared a creative collaboration from afar, but nothing compares to sitting down for dinner together during launch week.

If you listen to the Remember Us audiobook, you’ll probably recognize Dion’s extraordinary voice. He’s one of the most celebrated narrators—often referred to as the GOAT—in the field today, and after hearing his work, it’s easy to understand why. His ability to breathe life into the words and emotions of the story is remarkable.

What made our collaboration even more special was Dion’s thoughtful suggestion that I narrate the epilogue myself. It wasn’t something I had originally planned, but taking that step became one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a writer.

We met near the World Trade Center, a place that holds personal meaning for me as I lived in New York City on 9/11. To meet Dion amid the soaring architecture of the Oculus and the solemn reflection of the 9/11 Memorial was unforgettable.

For audiobook listeners, Dion’s narration offers a powerful and heartfelt way to experience the story. I am so grateful to him, for lending his voice to Remember Us—and for encouraging me to use mine too.

📖✈️ Will we see you next week on the ‘Remember Us’ Book Tour? ✈️📖

Join me for conversations and book signings in these incredible cities, and tag a friend who wants to join us!

📍Tuesday, May 6 – Kansas City, MO
🗨️Conversation & Book Signing Hosted by @rainydaybooks 📚
🗺️Unity Temple on Plaza - 707 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64112

📍 Friday, May 9 – Gettysburg, PA
🗨️Conversation & Book Signing Hosted by @gettysburgfilmfestival
🗺️Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle Street

I hope to see you! Visit my website for full details: www.robertedsel.com/events

#RememberUs #BookTour #WWII #TourTuesday

What a thrill it is to walk into a bookstore and see ‘Remember Us’ on the shelves, and to talk to customers about this story. (“You were here for a cookbook? Great, let me tell you about a group of Dutch civilians who have been honoring American soldiers for 80 years…”)

It never gets old to see a book go from years of research and writing to sitting proudly on display. And connecting with readers in person—whether they’re history buffs or just curious—is truly the best part.

If you see ‘Remember Us’ in your local store, snap a photo and tag me. I would love to get a glimpse of your local bookstore!

Happy Pub Day to Remember Us!

#HappyAuthor

⏱️The countdown is on!

Tomorrow is the big day — ‘Remember Us’ will officially be available.

This morning I spent time in the studio connecting with TV stations across the country, sharing the powerful stories behind ‘Remember Us’ and the remarkable people who inspired it.

I hope I made it onto a station near your town! ‘Remember Us’ is available everywhere starting tomorrow. I can’t wait for you to read the book and meet these incredible heroes yourself.

#RememberUs #CountdownToPubDay #WWII #NewBook

📚 It’s pub week for ‘Remember Us’ and I’m in NYC for media. What a warm welcome to the Big Apple to see this full page story in the New York Post (@nypost)!

🔗 Read the full story: link in bio

#RememberUs #bookreview #nyc

Yesterday, at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Laurel, MS, I had the honor of meeting James Bass, a crew member of USS Harding, a destroyer heavily damaged off the coast of Okinawa by Japanese kamikaze planes. James survived, but twenty-two fellow crew members were killed. Somewhere in the general vicinity was a 19 year old Marine sergeant from the Dustbowl of Oklahoma—my father, Ray Edsel.

Meeting James, hearing his story, and thinking about my dad brought me to tears. I played the tennis circuit when I was 19. These men went to war.

#grateful #WWII #greatestgeneration #heroes

On the road for the Remember Us book tour — week one highlights!

1️⃣ Austin, TX: Family and friends gathering at Austin Country Club (@austincountryclubatx)
2️⃣ Dallas, TX: A special moment with former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison at the event hosted by World Affairs Council DFW (@dfwworld)
3️⃣ Dallas, TX: Hanging out with my little buddy George
4️⃣ Marfa, TX: Speaking at Texas Lyceum (@texaslyceum) conference
5️⃣ Birmingham, AL: At The Alabama Booksmith (@alabamabooksmith) with Jake Reiss
6️⃣ Savannah, GA: Live on set with WTOC11 (@wtoc11) for Morning Break
7️⃣ Jackson, MS: Signing 500 books at Lemuria Books (@lemuriabooks)
8️⃣ Laurel, MS: Speaking & book signing at the Veterans Memorial Museum (@veteransmuseumlaurel)

Grateful for the warm welcomes and unforgettable memories this first week! 📚✈️
#RememberUs #BookTour #OnTheRoad

📚There’s just something about independent bookstores!

Spent the morning at Lemuria Bookstore (@lemuriabooks) in Jackson, MS signing 500 copies of Remember Us. Grateful for the warm Southern welcome and the support from their wonderful team.

Now I’m headed to the Veterans Memorial Museum in Laurel (@veterans.memorial.museum) — the hometown of John Low, one of the remarkable soldiers whose story is featured in the book.

Grateful for days like this, and for the opportunity to share these stories!

#happyauthor #rememberus

📚Save the date and join me for a book signing of ‘Remember Us’ at Barnes & Noble in Fredericksburg, VA next Saturday, May 3 @ 1pm!

I’ll be there to share stories, sign copies, and connect with readers. It’s always a special experience to meet people who are passionate about history.

I’d love to see you there and hear your thoughts on the book! ✨ #BookSigning #AuthorEvent #TourTuesday

🔔I am deeply honored to have been invited by the Embassy of the Netherlands in the United States to be the keynote speaker for the Freedom Concert at the Netherlands Carillon in Washington, DC on May 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM!

This annual event celebrates the enduring friendship between the United States and the Netherlands, commemorating the Netherlands’ Liberation Day. The Netherlands Carillon, a 127-foot-tall musical monument with 53 bells, stands as a symbol of freedom and the strong bond between our nations. This year marks 80 years since the restoration of Dutch freedom from occupation during World War II.

I look forward to joining esteemed guests and performers in reflecting on the profound meaning of freedom. If you are in the DC area, I invite you to join us for this special occasion on May 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM! Admission is free, but registration is required!

👉 Register here: https://www.robertedsel.com/post/freedom-concert

While visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Center (@thebushcenter) for the Strategerist podcast, I had the chance to explore the museum.

One of the most meaningful moments was seeing the photo of me alongside four Monuments Men from the ceremony when the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd) received the National Humanities Medal from President George W. Bush (@georgewbush). It was an honor of a lifetime to share the stage with the President and these WWII heroes.

And yes, sitting in the “Oval Office” replica was pretty cool too. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the area!
#grateful

Bonnie Carroll has dedicated her life to supporting families of the fallen, and her words about ‘Remember Us’ truly humble me: “This is more than a history—it is a tribute.” I’m honored by her support and eager to share this story - a tribute to all who served, sacrificed, and remembered.

📖 Pre-order ‘Remember Us’ today! https://a.co/d/0rgeHKb #RememberUs #WWII #ThankfulThursday

Earlier this week, I joined host Andrew Kaufmann and Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute, for a powerful conversation on The Strategerist podcast, hosted by the George W. Bush Presidential Center. (@thebushcenter).

We covered some meaningful ground — from the stories behind ‘Remember Us,’ to the importance of honoring our soldiers, and of course, President George W. Bush (@georgewbush)’s historic visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery — the only sitting U.S. President to have ever done so. It was fun to tape this segment with a live audience, and also sign their copies of ‘Remember Us!’

🎧 The episode drops April 22 — available on all podcast platforms and at bushcenter.org/podcast/the-strategerist.

🇺🇸🇳🇱 Let’s fulfill the Forever Promise and ensure these heroes are never forgotten.
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Nearly 80 years ago, a promise was made in the Netherlands—by ordinary citizens who adopted the graves of American soldiers who died liberating their homeland during World War II. That promise was simple but profound: to remember and care for these fallen heroes as if they were their own.
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Since then, thousands of Dutch families have honored that promise. But only a small percentage have ever been able to connect with the American families of the soldiers they so lovingly honor.
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Today, with the launch of the Forever Promise Project, we have the opportunity to change that. In partnership with our dear friends at the Stichting Adoptie Graven Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten (Foundation for Adopting Graves American Cemetery Margraten), the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd) I is proud to launch this initiative—designed to connect next of kin in the U.S. with the Dutch adopters who have cared for their loved one’s grave for decades.
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This is a deeply personal mission for me. My new book, #RememberUs, shares the human stories behind this extraordinary tradition. But with the Forever Promise Project, we’re not just telling the story—we’re inviting Americans to be part of it.
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It is especially fitting that we launch the Forever Promise Project today, on what would have been Frieda van Schaïk’s 100th birthday. During our first meeting, Frieda asked me a simple question: “Have you heard of the Margraten Grave Adoption program?” That single sentence opened my eyes to a remarkable tradition—one that has lasted generations—and it has led us here, to the launch of this important initiative.
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If you have a family member buried at Margraten, or simply want to help us spread the word, please visit foreverpromise.org.

📖✈️ The ‘Remember Us’ Book Tour Starts in Full Force Next Week! ✈️📖

Join me for conversations and book signings in these incredible cities. Where will we see you? Tag a friend who wants to join us there!

📍 Monday, April 21 – Dallas, TX
📍 Tuesday, April 22 – Birmingham, AL
📍 Wednesday, April 23 – Savannah, GA
📍 Saturday, April 26 – Jackson & Laurel, MS

I can’t wait to share the powerful true stories from ‘Remember Us’ with you! Check out my website for full details about these events, as well as listings for all the tour stops: https://www.robertedsel.com/events (direct link in bio)

#RememberUs #BookTour #WWII #TourTuesda

It was a fantastic weekend in Marfa, Texas, where I had the honor of speaking at the The Texas Lyceum (@texaslyceum) Q2 Conference — Becoming Texas: The Cultural Crossroads of Texas Heritage. The conference brought together leaders from across Texas to explore the past that continues to shape our present and future.

This was the first public presentation for my new book, ‘Remember Us,’ and I couldn’t have asked for a more engaged, thoughtful audience. Sharing the story of the American soldiers who liberated the Netherlands during WWII, and the incredible Dutch civilians who have never forgotten them, moved the room deeply — and to my surprise and great gratitude, it ended with a standing ovation. A moment I won’t forget!

Special thanks to Texas Lyceum President Crayton Webb; Q2 Meeting Chairs Wendie Cook, Ryan Lilley, and Amber Burton; and Jennifer Chandler for the invitation and making this event possible.

Thank you also to the sponsors who supported this conference:
✨ Abell-Hanger Foundation
✨ Diamondback Energy (@diamondbackenergy)
✨ Permian Basin Area Foundation (@permianbasinareafoundation)
✨ Frost Bank (@frostbank)

The Hotel Saint George (@marfasaintgeorge ) was a beautiful venue, and City of Marfa provided the perfect backdrop.

This was just the first of many stops over the next two months for the ‘Remember Us’ book tour. I hope to see you on the road!

#RememberUs #BookTour

🚐✈️ The REMEMBER US Book Tour is about to begin! Where will I see you?

From my hometown of Dallas, Austin to Atlanta, Gettysburg to Detroit—and even a virtual event—find a stop near you and tag a friend to meet us there!

📍 Full tour dates are listed in the graphic
📘 Book release: April 29
📚 Publisher: Harper Horizon (@harperhorizon)
🔗 Full details at robertedsel.com/events (direct link in bio)

#RememberUs #BookTour #WWII #HarperHorizon

#onthisday 80 years ago today, Generals Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley traveled into Germany—amid ongoing fighting—to visit the Merkers salt mine, where billions of dollars in gold bullion and currency from the German Reichsbank were hidden, along with thousands of works of art from Berlin’s museums, guarded by the Monuments Men.

From there, they went to Ohrdruf—the first concentration camp liberated by American forces. The horrific sight of bodies and smoldering remains, a desperate attempt by Nazis to cover up their crimes, sickened Eisenhower and his commanders.

That evening, came the shocking news that the Commander-in-Chief, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, had died earlier that day.
April 12, 1945—a momentous day in history!

#MonumentsMen #WWII #Eisenhower

📷: US National Archives

The early reviews for ‘Remember Us’ are rolling in! I am grateful for the praise from Publishers Weekly (@publisherswkly), calling the book “an intimate, moving look at the war that extracts deep meaning from the carnage and loss.”

It’s been a privilege to bring this story to life, and I’m looking forward to finally sharing it with readers. ‘Remember Us’ will be released on April 29. I can’t believe we are just a few weeks away!

📚As we count down to the release of ‘Remember Us’—in both English and Dutch—I had the privilege of returning to the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, where so much of this story begins—and continues.

This trip was not only about media ahead of the book’s release in the Netherlands, but also about reconnecting. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the daughters of Frieda van Schaïk again. It was Frieda’s letter written in 1945 seeking the address for Walter Huchthausen’s mother that led me to this story.

I was also reunited with the passionate team behind the Stichting Adoptie Graven Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten (@adoptiegravenmargraten ) —men who have become dear friends over the years since my research began! I look forward to sharing more with you soon about a collaboration with this organization.

Most importantly, I was able to visit Walter Huchthausen on the 80th anniversary of his death, along with all the others buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery, whom I now think of as family. To stand there in quiet reflection, surrounded by thousands of names and stories, was a humbling reminder of what this book is truly about: remembrance, gratitude, and the bonds that endure.

‘Remember Us’ comes out April 29. I can’t wait to share it with you!

In the end, we all hope to be remembered—somehow, someway, by somebody. #RememberUs

📚 Remember Us — Coming April 29!

Pre-order now wherever books are sold ✨

Book tour stops announced — don’t miss it! Link in bio #RememberUsBook #BookTour2025

📚In April 2013, I was preparing for the launch of ‘Saving Italy.’ Twelve years later, I’m holding finished copies of ‘Remember Us’ for the first time—and it’s hard to put into words what that feels like.

From ‘Rescuing Da Vinci’ to ‘The Monuments Men,’ ‘Saving Italy,’ ‘The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History,’ and now ‘Remember Us’—seeing the full set on my shelf is incredibly rewarding. Each one represents a different journey. Each experience writing them was unique and meaningful in its own way.

‘Remember Us’ holds a special place in my heart. It’s a deeply personal story, and I can’t wait to share it! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me!

#RememberUs #MonumentsMen #SavingItaly #Gratitude

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ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

Robert's Instagram

ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Passing of a Great Man and Friend: Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

The paintings behind the Monuments Men cover

100th anniversary of the recovery of the Mona Lisa

Robert's Instagram

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