Dutch woman 'adopted' a grave and looked after a soldier's soul for 75 years: 'All those boys...'

They say a soldier is never forgotten, nor are their sacrifices, and Willemien Rieken, the kind soul who passed away in 2020, lived by it every second of her life. Rieken was just 9 when she took on the responsibility of watching over a soldier's grave, and that continued for 75 years, until she died 5 years ago.

After the Battle of Arnhem — fought during the Second World War around the Dutch city of Arnhem — every child there was given a war grave to maintain, and Rieken got Trooper William Edmund's to tend. "That was my grave, and I adopted it ever since 1945. I feel sorry that he is lying here. I mean, he isn't the only one; there are over 1,700, and I am very, very grateful he spent his life to liberate us," she shared with the BBC. Moving on, Rieken recalled the 1944 war, fought during World War II, and said she distinctly remembers watching British paratroopers coming down the parachutes — a clear indication that something was wrong. "I think you have to realize if you look around here, that all those boys gave us freedom, and they gave us their lives," she said, standing in the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. "When you're young, you even realize that things happen that way," she added. 

When Rieken's children were about the age of the soldiers when the war happened, she took them to the cemetery and said, "Look at those stones and look at the age. You are still alive because of them lying here.'" Just like Rieken, many nonprofit organizations and kind individuals also look after war graves and memorials across the globe. For instance, the BBC reports that Fiona Dunlop, a former teacher, takes care of more than 150 war graves in her region. Well, she said, she does it as a way to thank the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which has looked after the graves of two of her family members who passed away in the war. "The CWGC has looked after them, so I'm happy to contribute my bit to the organization," she added.

Meanwhile, an Instagram page, which goes by History Captain (@history.captain), shared Rieken's story on their account, and the post received an overwhelming response on social media. Reacting to the sweet story, @jeannieboberg said, "I’m picturing a tender scene in heaven, with these two meeting one another, each so deeply grateful for the other’s kindness."

Similarly, a person, @der_schnitz, praised the soldier who was martyred in the war and commented, "To the brave soul, William Edmond, who gave everything — across the sea of generations, we remember you. Your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering duty shaped the world we now cherish. Though time separates us, gratitude binds us. Thank you for your bravery. You are not forgotten." A user, @tyalexanderkidd, wrote, "What an angel! We must remember that these young men gave their lives for free speech." Echoing the sentiments, @james said, "Thank you for the service, Ms. Rieken. A wonderful and selfless act of kindness. Rest in peace." Another user, @accardi1921, on the platform, commented, "We are grateful for those like her who remembered & still remember those who fought & sacrificed for freedom. Peace be with her & her family."