Blog by Robert M. Edsel | NYT Best-Selling Author and Public Speaker

Blog

The Gifts of Travel

Imagine young boys like this American soldier on guard duty, having never traveled before their military service, being shipped overseas...

Robert M. Edsel

Jul 20, 2019

He Looked Down the Hill from his Resting Place and Smiled: The Stolen Masterpiece by Jan van Huysum

Monuments Man Lt. Fred Hartt, a towering figure in the art world and one of the saviors of Tuscany’s incomparable works of art – both...

Robert M. Edsel

Jul 19, 2019

The Monuments Men of the 21st Century: the Italian Carabinieri

During World War II, the United States and England established the high bar for the protection of cultural treasures during war through...

Robert M. Edsel

Jul 16, 2019

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident

Freedom to never vote and still be entitled to criticise those in public office. Freedom to disrespect or even desecrate the nation’s...

Robert M. Edsel

Jul 4, 2019

Remembering D-Day

Today marks the 75th anniversary of “D-Day,” when Western Allied forces landed tens of thousands of troops along the Normandy coastline...

Robert M. Edsel

Jun 6, 2019

"I wish..."

“I wish I had more money.” “I wish I had more free time.” “I wish I could get that promotion at work.” “I wish I were young again.” “I...

Robert M. Edsel

May 27, 2019

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Robert's Instagram

“Whatever you end up doing, love it.”

Fans of Cinema Paradiso will recognize these words from one of the film’s most memorable scenes. I’ve loved that movie for years, so visiting Palazzo Adriano, the tiny Sicilian town where much of it was filmed, felt a bit like stepping into a story that had long lived in my imagination.

Few of us end up where we thought we would when we were young, yet the passions that shape us often remain constant. My own path—from aspiring tennis player to building and selling an oil and gas exploration company, then turning to art and architecture—eventually led me to the story of the Monuments Men.

Along the way, I’ve learned that the individuals who leave the greatest mark on the world are rarely those chasing recognition. They’re the ones who pour themselves fully into something they genuinely care about.

As Alfredo tells Toto in Cinema Paradiso, “Life isn’t like in the movies. Life… is much harder.”

He’s right.

Standing in this small Sicilian town with my boys, my hope for them is simple: that they follow their passions and build a life that feels like a calling.

And whatever they end up doing, I hope they love it.

Some of life’s greatest responsibilities are also its greatest privileges.

Being a father has taught me lessons no classroom or boardroom ever could. Patience. Perspective. Humility. And the importance of leading not by words alone, but by example.

I’ve spent much of my life preserving stories about the people and places that helped shape the world we know today. Fatherhood has given me an even deeper appreciation for why those stories matter. Standing with my boys surrounded by history is not only about honoring the past, but about helping guide their future.

I miss my dad today, but I’m grateful for the example he set. I hope that one day my boys will look back and feel the same gratitude for the time we spent together, the memories we made, and the values I worked to pass on.

To all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures, Happy Father’s Day. And to the fathers serving far from home today, thank you for the sacrifices you make every day.

Sharing history with my young sons in a place like Rome is something I’ll never take for granted. It makes me feel like I’m seeing it for the first time again too.

From the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica, I love seeing the curiosity in their eyes and hearing their questions—how old are these places, who built them, and what life must have been like here so long ago.

Walking these streets, I’m reminded how small we are in the span of time, and how lucky we are to be here together in this moment!

I hope everyone gets a little time this summer to slow down, be with the people you love, and make memories that leave you inspired.

Wishing you a great weekend!

Our next stop: gelato

On Women Veterans Day, I’m reminded that some of history’s most important contributions are also among the least remembered.

Among the heroes of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program were 27 remarkable women whose work helped recover, preserve, and return cultural treasures in the aftermath of World War II.

Women like Major Mary Regan Quessenberry, who traveled throughout postwar Europe investigating looted art and helping return stolen treasures to their rightful owners, and Capt. Edith Standen—the only female member of the MFAA to receive the Bronze Star—who oversaw the restitution of thousands of cultural objects from the Wiesbaden Central Collecting Point.

Their stories remind us that service takes many forms, and that some of the most important contributions to history have too often gone unrecognized.

Today, we honor all women who have served our nation, and remember the remarkable women whose dedication helped preserve our shared cultural heritage for future generations.

Thank you to all women veterans for your service!

Read more about the Monuments Women: https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/post/monuments-women-tribute

What is it like to walk in the footsteps of history?

The answer is difficult to describe. Reading history is powerful. Seeing a photograph can move us. But standing in the very places where history happened is something entirely different.

This September 10–14, I will once again lead a small group through the Netherlands and surrounding areas connected to the American experience during World War II, including time at Margraten, where Dutch families still honor American graves more than 80 years later.

Thoughtfully curated, this intimate, expertly guided tour includes exceptional accommodations, memorable dining, and exclusive access beyond the typical travel experience. Along the way, guests will experience history firsthand, meet the people who continue to preserve its legacy, and conclude the trip with a visit to one of the world’s greatest artistic treasures: the Ghent Altarpiece.

A few spaces remain, and I would love for you to join me this September. Email info@robertedsel.com for additional information and a full brochure.

History is never more powerful than when you walk in the footsteps of those who lived it.

June 6, 1944. D-Day.

Thousands of Allied soldiers climbed into landing craft, boarded transport planes, and crossed the English Channel knowing many would never return home. They went anyway—and changed the course of history.

D-Day was not inevitable. Success was not guaranteed. History was not made by dates and battle plans alone. The outcome rested on the courage, sacrifice, and determination of ordinary people asked to do extraordinary things.

Eighty-two years later, we still live in the shadow of what was accomplished that day. We still enjoy freedoms secured by a generation willing to risk everything for a cause greater than themselves—a debt we can never fully repay.

In Remember Us, I tell the stories of the soldiers, families, and Dutch citizens whose lives were forever changed by the events of World War II, including Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole of the 101st Airborne Division, who parachuted into Normandy in the opening hours of D-Day.

On this D-Day anniversary, I invite you to reflect on the bravery and selflessness that made June 6, 1944, one of the most consequential days in modern history.

For those who would like to learn more, I am making the “D-Day” chapter from Remember Us available to read free of charge at the link in bio.

“Full victory,” Eisenhower told the paratroopers, “and nothing else.”

On the evening of June 5, 1944, hours before young Allied soldiers climbed into landing craft, boarded transport planes, and crossed the English Channel into history, General Eisenhower paid a surprise visit to the men of the 101st Airborne—the Screaming Eagles.

He didn’t expect to recognize anyone. But then a familiar face stepped forward: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole, a young officer Ike had once known at Fort Lewis.

Cole was smeared with charcoal and vegetable oil. His pockets were packed with gear. In just hours, he and his men would parachute behind enemy lines—no backup, no escape.

And yet he smiled. Not for the camera. Not for show. A quiet smile, a wink, as if to say: Don’t worry, General. We got this.

Within hours, he would be heading into the night sky over England.

Tomorrow would be D-Day.

I am still thinking about Memorial Day weekend in Margraten, and especially about Private First Class Harry Humason and Private First Class Arnold Strauch, two World War II veterans I had the honor of meeting.

There is something profoundly humbling about meeting those who carried the weight of that generation, and then standing together in a place dedicated to remembering so many who never came home. Margraten has a way of making the past feel very present.

I am grateful for the chance to share a moment with these two heroes in a place where their generation will never be forgotten—moments like these remind us why remembrance matters, and why it must continue.

As we pause today to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, I’m reminded that some promises endure far beyond a lifetime.

Across the Netherlands, generations of families continue honoring Americans they never met — visiting graves, sharing stories, placing flowers, and remembering lives given in the cause of freedom.

Memorial Day is an act of gratitude, and for more than 80 years, the Dutch have shown the world what enduring gratitude looks like.

#MemorialDay

Good morning from the Netherlands American Cemetery where we are honoring those who gave their lives for freedom.

As Memorial Day weekend begins, I am grateful to see stories of remembrance reaching readers across the country.

More than 80 years later, Dutch families continue a remarkable promise — honoring and preserving the stories of the Americans who helped liberate their country during World War II.

Remembrance is not only about looking back, it is also about carrying something forward.

Thank you to everyone helping keep these stories alive, and to all who take time this weekend to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In the last couple of weeks, I shared templates from our new Forever Promise Project (@foreverpromiseproject) Ambassador Toolkit featuring American soldiers from my hometown of Dallas who are buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery. We are still hoping to find their families and connect them with their Dutch adopters.

Many of you shared those posts, which has already given us some promising leads — thank you! Others asked how you could participate in this effort to help find families of fallen heroes from your own communities.

We’ve tried to make it easy — and we would love your help this Memorial May.

1️⃣ Search our database for soldiers connected to your hometown or state
2️⃣ Download a template
3️⃣ Share their story
4️⃣ Help us connect families with a legacy they may never have known existed

Sometimes all it takes is one shared post, one familiar name, or one person willing to help.

Thank you to everyone who has already joined us in keeping this forever promise alive.

If you would like to join this mission, you can access the Ambassador Toolkit at: foreverpromise.org/support/toolkit

81 years ago today, General Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered a VE Day message that still carries extraordinary weight.

He didn’t just celebrate victory, he defined its meaning.

He praised the Allied forces for achieving what many thought impossible, but quickly reminded them that the true measure of victory was not dominance—it was unity.

American, British, Canadian, French, Polish, and other Allied soldiers had fought as one force, bound not by nationality, but by a shared refusal to accept tyranny and a common love of liberty.

Eisenhower understood something timeless: victory is not just what you win—it is what you choose to preserve.

On VE Day, we remember not only the end of war in Europe, but the enduring responsibility of remembrance, unity, and shared humanity.

Staff Sergeant Leon Arthur Leonard Byers grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Forest Avenue High School, (later known as James Madison @thegreatjamesmadison), whose alumni also include TV producer Aaron Spelling and Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus (@neimanmarcus).

Byers enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces (@usairforce) in 1943 and served as a waist gunner on a B-24 bomber named “I’ll Be Around.”

On a mission over Germany, after his group dropped their bombs, his aircraft came under attack when their fighter escort was pulled away. Enemy fire struck the plane, killing Leon and another gunner instantly. He was just 19 years old.

Today, he rests at the Netherlands American Cemetery.

A Dutch adopter visits his grave and ensures he is never forgotten. This Memorial May, we are hoping to find something more.

We are searching for Leon’s family.

If you are related to Staff Sergeant Leon A. Byers, or know someone who might be, please reach out or share this post. Someone you know may be the connection that helps complete this promise.

“I have never read a book quite like this one… just be sure to have your tissues ready.”

Comments like this are one of the true joys of being an author—and make the years of research, interviews, and travel worthwhile. I’m always grateful to readers who connect with these stories and take the time to share their thoughts.

This review reflects the heart of Remember Us: not just the history of World War II, but the enduring human connections between those who sacrificed their lives and the Dutch families who continue to honor them today.

As always, thank you to everyone who has read, shared, and supported this story!

Second Lieutenant James George Newman grew up in Highland Park, Texas, not far from where I live. He graduated from Highland Park High School (@hpisdschools) in 1941, attended Texas A&M (@tamu) , and went on to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces (@usaairforce).

On November 20, 1944, his aircraft was hit by intense anti-aircraft fire over Germany. A fellow pilot later recalled hearing him over the radio say he had been hit and was going down. Moments later, his plane crashed along the Saar River. He was 21 years old.

Today, Lt. Newman is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

For more than 80 years, a Dutch family has honored his life and sacrifice.

But they have never met his family.

This Memorial May, we are working to change that.

If you recognize the name James George Newman, or know his family, please reach out or share this post. Someone out there may be the missing connection to help us complete this promise.

The American Legion (@theamericanlegion) has spent more than a century standing beside veterans and their families, advocating, serving, and ensuring that no one is left behind or forgotten. I’m truly humbled to share that REMEMBER US is featured as the cover story of the May issue of the American Legion Magazine.

Each of the crosses at the Netherlands American Cemetery pictured on the cover represents a life, a family, a story—and a promise made more than 80 years ago, not to forget them.

My heartfelt thanks to Jeff Stoffer for writing such a thoughtful story, and to the American Legion for the work they do every day on behalf of those who have served.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be included in any small way in their ongoing mission of remembrance and service. Our veterans and their families have given so much for this country, and organizations like the American Legion ensure that their sacrifice is honored with the gratitude it deserves.

National Volunteer Week is a reminder of the power of service to shape lives and leave a lasting impact on the world.

For more than 80 years, Dutch volunteers have honored American servicemen by caring for their graves and preserving their memory—an extraordinary example of service in action.

Inspired by them, and just in time for Volunteer Week, we’ve launched the Forever Promise Project Ambassador Toolkit & Engagement Guide, a new way to volunteer with us, wherever you are.

Whether you have five minutes or more, this toolkit makes it easy to participate, share stories, and help us find more families—giving everyone a role in carrying this promise forward.

👉 Access the Toolkit: https://www.foreverpromise.org/support/toolkit

Last Monday in Washington, D.C., I had the honor of meeting His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands during his visit to the United States.

We spoke about the bond between our two nations, forged in a time of war—nowhere more evident than in Margraten, where American servicemen who gave their lives in World War II are still watched over by Dutch families who have cared for their graves for generations. It remains a living testament to a promise kept, decade after decade.

I also had the opportunity to share a lesser-known part of this history: that 14 Dutch citizens served among the Monuments Men and Women, risking their lives to protect and recover Europe’s cultural treasures. As a gesture of gratitude, I presented His Majesty with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal—one of our nation’s highest civilian honors—awarded in 2015 to the Monuments Men and Women for their distinguished service.

This meeting, and the chance to reflect on the shared bond between our two nations, is something I will not soon forget!

@monumentsmenandwomenfnd @nlintheusa

Let the bidding begin!

I’m honored to support The Bryan Museum (@thebryanmuseum) - Galveston and its upcoming gala with two signed items for their silent auction.

The first is a signed copy of ‘Remember Us.’

The second is something far more rare: a copy of ‘The Monuments Men’ signed by the last living Monuments Man, Richard Barancik.

With the passing of these heroes, items like this have taken on an added significance. They aren’t just collectible, they’re irreplaceable.

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, while supporting the museum’s mission.

You can learn more and place a bid here: https://qtego.us/qlink/bryanmuseumgala/GH3224

Great news for audiobook listeners, ‘Remember Us’ is featured in Audible’s April Monthly Deals for just $7.99!

Dion Graham, widely considered one of the greatest narrators in the business, delivers a powerful performance that brings these stories to life. He was even recognized as a finalist for Best Non-Fiction Narrator at this year’s Audie Awards for his work on ‘Remember Us.’

I also had the privilege of narrating the epilogue myself, giving voice to the final words that I’d spent years researching and writing. It wasn’t something I originally planned, but it became one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a writer.

If you’ve been waiting to listen, this is the perfect time!

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Us-American-Sacrifice-Freedom/dp/B0D92R9L6C/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0

“For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Every Medal of Honor citation begins with these words, reserved for those whose courage on the battlefield is so profound that it defines the very meaning of service and sacrifice.

At the Netherlands American Cemetery, six Medal of Honor recipients are laid to rest. Among them is Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole of Texas, whose story is featured in Remember Us. His citation reads in part:

“The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.”

Today, on National Medal of Honor Day, we remember Lt. Col. Cole, the other heroes at Margraten, and all who have earned this distinction. The level of courage it represents is difficult to fully comprehend.

We are forever changed by their gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty.

#NationalMedalOfHonorDay @mohmuseum

A Night I Won’t Forget!

I’m so grateful to The Bryan Museum (@thebryanmuseum) - Galveston for naming me its 2026 Distinguished Speaker and Texas Frontier Gold Medal Award recipient. Inspired by the 1909 medal presented to Alphonso Steele, the last surviving participant of the Battle of San Jacinto, this recognition honors individuals with Texas roots who are passionate champions of our shared history and culture. I don’t take moments like this for granted.

One of the highlights of the evening was my conversation with museum founder J.P. Bryan, discussing how the past shapes our understanding of one another and reminds us what’s worth protecting.

The awards ceremony was only one part of this very special evening. It was also a privilege to be there alongside the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd) as two nineteenth-century painting fragments were donated to the museum, ensuring they will be preserved, studied, and shared with the public. This work is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and I’m proud of the role we play in safeguarding our shared cultural heritage for future generations.

Thank you to everyone at The Bryan Museum for such a memorable evening, and for the work you do every day to keep these stories alive!

🔗For more on the donated works:
https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/discoveries-and-restitutions/nineteenth-century-painting-fragments

Today my father, A. Ray Edsel, would have turned 100 years old.

Born in Seiling, Oklahoma, he was just eighteen when he joined the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during World War II, witnessing the horrors of Saipan, Okinawa, and Nagasaki firsthand. The things he experienced at such a young age shaped the man he became, instilling in him courage, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty.

After the war, he attended college on the GI Bill, built a successful career as a stockbroker, and raised a family with love, patience, and wisdom. People often asked how he remained so calm in such a volatile business. He would smile and say, “That’s easy. No one is shooting at me.” What many didn’t realize was that at eighteen years old, soldiers actually had been shooting at him. That perspective stayed with him for the rest of his life. And it has stayed with me as well.

My father’s life of service, both to his country and to those around him, instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to remember and honor the generation that fought and sacrificed during World War II. In many ways, it is the reason I have devoted so much of my own life to telling their stories.

When I began writing my first book, Rescuing Da Vinci, my hope was simply to finish it in time for my father to see it published. I was so fortunate to have that wish fulfilled, and even more grateful to have the chance to introduce him to the story of the Monuments Men, and to travel together to places connected to that history.

I will never forget standing with my father and several of the Monuments Men at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Different paths had brought them there, but their lives had been shaped by the same defining moment in history.

Today, on what would have been my dad’s 100th birthday, I’m reminded that his courage and his sense of duty continue to guide me every day.

Happy 100th birthday, Dad. Your life, your service, and your example remain my compass. We miss you, and we carry you with us always.

Philips (@philips) , a company whose heritage is deeply rooted in the Netherlands and whose commitment to veterans in the U.S. runs equally deep, has now joined us in advancing the mission of the Forever Promise Project — connecting American families of the fallen with the Dutch citizens who have cared for their loved ones’ graves at Margraten for more than 80 years.

At a recent event where our partnership was announced, I had the opportunity to share the driving purpose behind this initiative. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch!

If you would like to join our effort, please visit ForeverPromise.org. #ForeverPromiseProject @monumentsmenandwomenfnd

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.

🎧 “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

🇺🇸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

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

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ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Gifts of Travel

He Looked Down the Hill from his Resting Place and Smiled: The Stolen Masterpiece by Jan van Huysum

The Monuments Men of the 21st Century: the Italian Carabinieri

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident

Remembering D-Day

"I wish..."

Robert's Instagram

ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

The Gifts of Travel

He Looked Down the Hill from his Resting Place and Smiled: The Stolen Masterpiece by Jan van Huysum

The Monuments Men of the 21st Century: the Italian Carabinieri

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident

Remembering D-Day

"I wish..."

Robert's Instagram

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