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

Blog

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

Memorable weekend in Fort Meade with the 352nd Civil Affairs Command

I’ve had many memorable experiences during the past thirteen years researching and writing about the Monuments Men and women, but few...

Robert M. Edsel

May 17, 2016

The Islamic State’s Murder of a Modern Day Monuments Man

Khaled al-Asaad, 83-year-old retired Syrian archaeologist known admiringly as “Mr. Palmyra” for his extraordinary knowledge of that...

Robert M. Edsel

Aug 25, 2015

Happy Birthday to Monuments Man Rouben Sami!

Today, I’d like to wish a happy 94th birthday to Monuments Man Rouben Sami! I was privileged to meet with Rouben and his wife Lee at...

Robert M. Edsel

Aug 15, 2015

Monuments Man Lennox Tierney passes away at age 101

Monuments Man Lennox Tierney has died, age 101. Only five Monuments officers are still living. Of the twenty Monuments Men and women I...

Robert M. Edsel

Jun 18, 2015

Eight Years Honoring the Heroes!

Eight years ago, on the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day landings, I announced the formation of the Monuments Men Foundation for the...

Robert M. Edsel

Jun 6, 2015

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Robert's Instagram

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.

“I hope that my daughter will do the same for your father and keep the memory living.”

For more than 80 years, this promise has been passed from one generation to the next. Families in the Netherlands continue, year after year, to care for the graves of Americans they never knew, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. Yet for many families of the fallen, these devoted caretakers were unknown to them, which is why the work of the Forever Promise Project is so important!

Thanks to journalist Greg McQuade - WTVR CBS 6 (@gregmcquadema2va) , you can witness one of the extraordinary connections made through the work of the Forever Promise Project, bringing together the families of those who gave their lives and the Dutch families who have honored them for generations.

Watch the story here: https://www.foreverpromise.org/post/a-meeting-83-years-in-the-making

@monumentsmenandwomenfnd

Say hello to Greg McQuade @gregmcquadema2va - WTVR CBS 6, a gifted journalist whose work honoring America’s veterans – those who are still with us, and those who we lost along the way, is as insightful as it is inspiring. We greatly appreciate the visibility he continues to bring to the work of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd) and the Forever Promise Project, which connects American families of the fallen with the Dutch adopters of their loved ones buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery.

Greg’s story about the Forever Promise Project, which we previously shared would air several weeks ago, was postponed due to severe weather and breaking news — but it is now scheduled to air tonight. We look forward to sharing the link with you as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime, Greg shared this photo from an event he attended last night, where two extraordinary American heroes were present: 101-year-old Dan Dorchak, a B-24 bombardier who flew 50 missions over China during World War II, and Paul Galanti, a Navy pilot who endured seven years as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton. Both men, whom Greg has featured in past stories, received rousing standing ovations from the 225 people in attendance, a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation that continues to inspire us all.

Moments like these remind us that the mission of remembrance is not only about honoring the fallen, but also about recognizing the living witnesses to history, and ensuring their stories and the sacrifices of their generation, are never forgotten.

It’s hard to believe it has been twelve years since The Monuments Men premiered in New York City and around the world, bringing to the screen the remarkable true story of the men and women who risked everything to protect and recover civilization’s greatest treasures during World War II.

Film has a unique power to illuminate history, to reach hearts in ways books alone sometimes cannot, and to draw the world’s attention through storytelling that feels larger than life. Through that lens, the mission of the Monuments Men, their sacrifice, and their courage, found a global audience.

I am grateful to all who helped bring their story to the big screen, ensuring these heroes finally received the recognition they deserved.

I remain committed to honoring their legacy and helping to complete the mission they began.

I’m proud to share that REMEMBER US narrator Dion Graham has been nominated for Best Non-Fiction Narrator by the Audiobooks Publishers Association’s Audie Awards!

He’s one of the most celebrated narrators in the field today—often referred to as the GOAT— and after hearing his work, it’s easy to understand why. Dion gave voice to these stories with such care, empathy, and humanity.

He’s also the one who suggested that I narrate the epilogue myself. It wasn’t something I had originally planned, but it became one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a writer.

I will always be grateful to Dion for lending his voice to tell these stories, and I’ll be cheering for him on March 2. Congratulations, Dion!

One of those lunches you don’t forget!

Last week in Margraten, I had the chance to spend time with Jenneke Michiels van Kessenich, Emilie’s daughter. She’s nearly 94 and walked in on her own — sharp, engaged, and full of stories.

Sitting across from her, history didn’t feel distant at all. Emilie’s courage was right there in the room, living on in the stories she passed down. These connections are at the heart of Remember Us and the Forever Promise Project.

At the Netherlands American Cemetery, one purpose guides everything: honoring the 10,000 American men and four women who gave their lives so that people they never knew might live in freedom.

In November, two panels containing errors of fact and omission that needed correcting were removed from the Netherlands American Cemetery visitor center. Last week, the American Battle Monuments Commission (@usabmc), the federal agency responsible for managing our nation’s overseas cemeteries, installed a new panel that corrects the historical record while fully crediting those who deserved recognition all along.

Read my blog for more:
https://www.robertedsel.com/post/time-will-not-dim-the-glory-of-their-deeds

It was an honor to stand alongside U.S. Ambassador Joe Popolo (@u.s.embassythehague) to unveil the new panel for the Netherlands American Cemetery Visitor Center and discuss the history of the cemetery and the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd)’s Forever Promise Project.

Ambassador Popolo promised the people of Limburg that a new panel with factually correct information would be forthcoming – and he delivered. He also expressed his full support of our ongoing efforts to connect American families with the Dutch adopters of their loved ones who are forever remembered at the Netherlands American Cemetery.

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant representing our nation in the Netherlands. Kudos also to his fine team; very impressive group of people.
.
@usabmc

Today, Monuments Man Harry Ettlinger would have turned 100.

Making it to 100 was Harry’s personal mission. His doctor encouraged him to try, and Harry took that advice very seriously! In the course of my work honoring these heroes of civilization, I have known 21 Monuments Men and Women. I was closest to Harry.

Harry and I traveled together, retracing the path he took as a young soldier. We attended ceremonies together, where Harry quickly and consistently became the star of the show, even when we were standing alongside some of the biggest stars in the world.

We mourned together as we visited the grave of Walter Huchthausen at the Netherlands American Cemetery, one of only two Monuments Men killed in action during World War II. And we celebrated together—at the White House, in the halls of Congress, and at movie premieres here and abroad—as world leaders and the public embraced the legacy of the Monuments Men and Women.

Somewhere along the way, Harry became part of my family and someone I deeply admired and respected. He was born the same year as my father, which added a special layer of connection to our friendship and made our conversations feel even more personal. Although their early lives and childhoods could not have been more different, they were shaped by the same defining moment in history. Their lives marked by service, resilience, and a deep love of country.

Harry will forever be an inspiration to the many people whose lives he touched. He once called me a “champion for the Monuments Men,” a responsibility I promise to honor by continuing the work he believed in so deeply.

Happy 100th birthday, Harry

This is what the @monumentsmenandwomenfnd ’s Forever Promise Project is all about.

SSgt. Frank Midkiff is one of the thousands of American heroes buried far from home at the Netherlands American Cemetery, but never forgotten. Frank served during World War II and lost his life when his B-17 crashed near Bremen, Germany.

Earlier this month, reporter Greg McQuade (@gregmcquadecbs6) - WTVR CBS 6 introduced Frank’s son, 82-year-old James Midkiff, to Marco Bastin, the man who lovingly cares for his father’s grave—connecting by Zoom from Virginia to Margraten.

James shared that meeting the man who watches over his father’s resting place is a moment he will cherish forever. This is exactly why this work matters.

Greg will be sharing this story tonight on WTVR CBS 6 News (@cbs6) for those who are local in the Richmond, VA area, and we’ll share the link later for everyone else.

A must-see experience in Texas: the McDonald Observatory!

It was a gift to step away from our routine for a few days to celebrate the New Year with no schedules, and no rush. It was just open space, big skies, a little wonder, and a lot of laughter (along with an impressive range of hats, from winter-ready to full West Texas cowboy 🤠).

Standing beneath these telescopes, you can’t help but feel both the scale of the universe and your own small place in it. I am grateful for these memories under the stars with my family, and looking forward to what’s next in 2026.

I hope you are all finding moments of wonder as well as the year gets underway!

✨As we welcome 2026, I’ve been reflecting on a year to remember. 2025 was one of the most meaningful years of my life, and it wouldn’t have happened without you.

With your support, ‘Remember Us’ became a New York Times bestseller, reached readers across the U.S. and the Netherlands, and helped shine new light on the extraordinary gratitude shown at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

This momentum also helped the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (@monumentsmenandwomenfnd) launch the Forever Promise Project with our partner Stichting Adoptie Graven Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten, connecting American families with the Dutch citizens who have honored their fallen loved ones for generations.

Whether you attended an event, shared the book with a friend, wrote a review, or simply followed along, please know how much your support has meant. I’m thankful to everyone who has walked alongside this mission in big and small ways.

If you’d like to see a few of the moments you helped make possible this year, I’ve shared a year-in-review at this link.https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Looking-Back-on-2025-with-Gratitude.html

As we move into 2026, the mission remains the same, but the reach is growing. More stories to uncover. More connections to make. More promises to keep.

Until then, I’m wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year.

🎄Today, I find myself thinking about gratitude.

In 1944, Christmas cards like this one were sent from newly liberated Dutch families to the American soldiers they had welcomed into their homes—young men who had returned to the front lines, many facing an uncertain future.

Our Dutch partners at the Foundation for Adopting Graves at the American Cemetery Margraten recently shared this extraordinary card with me. Inside are words of gratitude for liberty regained, faith amid sacrifice, and hope that these soldiers would return home safely, carrying with them a fond remembrance of “Little Holland.”

Gratitude did not end with liberation. It became a lifelong commitment to honor the fallen and care for their memory. Eighty years later, that promise is still being kept.

This Christmas, I’m thinking of the boys who received cards like this—and of the families who never stopped remembering them. I’m also thinking of the men and women in uniform serving around the world today, away from home, and of a simple truth understood in 1944: being remembered matters.

May this holiday bring cherished memories and the hope of peace for all.

🎁 There’s still time to get Remember Us delivered for the holidays!

Share the incredible stories of American sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise that continues to this day.

Right now, it’s on sale for more than 50% off—the perfect gift for anyone who loves history or stories of courage.

📚 Order now to make sure it arrives just in time!

🔗https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Us-American-Sacrifice-Freedom/dp/140033781X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Incredible pageantry in Baltimore today for the 126th Army–Navy Game 🇺🇸 @armynavygame

A sea of young Americans—U.S. Army (@usarmy) and U.S. Navy (@usnavy) cadets and midshipmen—coming together to support their teams and honor a rivalry rooted in service and tradition.

I’m looking forward to an unforgettable (and cold!) game celebrating the very best of our nation!

December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy and changed our world forever.

When I think about Pearl Harbor, I think about ordinary Americans, including my dad, who were suddenly called to do extraordinary things. That generation answered a call they never expected, and because of that, I’ve spent much of my life honoring their stories.

Today, we remember the lives lost at Pearl Harbor and all those who served in the days and years that followed. Their courage and sacrifice live on in the stories we tell and the freedoms we cherish.

Source: US National Archives — President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech (Dec. 8, 1941), RG 46

Family time has a way of putting everything back in perspective, and I’m grateful for that.

Our recent trip to San Antonio gave us the chance to slow down and reconnect. Sharing Texas history, taking in the sights, and laughing as my boys compared the “mystery ingredients” in their potato chip bags — it doesn’t get any better!

These moments refuel me. Here’s hoping your weekend and the holiday season bring a little extra joy your way, too.

One more day to save! Remember Us is 50% off for Cyber Monday.

It’s the perfect story to read or share this season.

🔗 Shop Here!: https://shorturl.at/qeQUD

What an unforgettable weekend at The National WWII Museum’s International Conference on World War II in New Orleans!

I always love sharing the stories behind Remember Us—the young Americans who never made it home and the Dutch families who have cared for their graves for eight decades, forging a bond that continues to this day.

Sharing them in a room filled with veterans, historians, and people who are experts on WWII history—many of whom seemed genuinely surprised by this little-known chapter of the war—made the experience especially meaningful.

Thank you once again to the Museum for the invitation and for the work you do every day to ensure future generations understand the extraordinary sacrifices made in the cause of freedom.

🔗 If you weren’t able to join, you can catch up on all of the conference sessions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdsCv8nXwvs&list=PLfTt9Iv9fryUMSNN1nGtNrIF4ujpN52y4

Photos courtesy of @wwiimuseum

📚 Black Friday Deal!

Remember Us is over 50% off right now for the Amazon.com Black Friday sale. There’s no better time to grab a copy — or stock up and share this unforgettable story with someone you love this holiday season.

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ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

Memorable weekend in Fort Meade with the 352nd Civil Affairs Command

The Islamic State’s Murder of a Modern Day Monuments Man

Happy Birthday to Monuments Man Rouben Sami!

Monuments Man Lennox Tierney passes away at age 101

Eight Years Honoring the Heroes!

Robert's Instagram

ROBERT M. EDSEL

Blog

Hitler’s Tapestry Returned to Bavaria

Memorable weekend in Fort Meade with the 352nd Civil Affairs Command

The Islamic State’s Murder of a Modern Day Monuments Man

Happy Birthday to Monuments Man Rouben Sami!

Monuments Man Lennox Tierney passes away at age 101

Eight Years Honoring the Heroes!

Robert's Instagram

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