My brother’s keeper

The Poplar Bluff Museum has tales of us, our family, and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within the museum walls.

When asked if America was “Empire Building,” Secretary of State Colin Powell replied, “We have sent many young men and women to fight in foreign lands but have never asked for any more land than is enough in which to bury those who did not return.” There are American war cemeteries throughout Europe. Often, we ask do they appreciate the price we paid for their freedom? I think this story will warm your heart.

Ron Van Eijkelenburg, a Dutch citizen from Ubachsberg, Netherlands, has adopted the grave of Poplar Bluff soldier Lloyd J. Anderson. PFC Anderson rests in honored glory in the Netherlands American War Cemetery in Margraten, southern Holland. He’s not the only one. Every American grave has been adopted by a grateful Dutch citizen.

“It is the highest honor to be selected to tend to these brave Americans” stated Eijkelenburg. He has even reached out to Butler County for information on his soldier. He wants to know everything about PFC Anderson. The Butler County Genealogical Society and the Poplar Bluff Museum gratefully replied to Mr. Eijkelenburg.

Lloyd Anderson was born in 1914. He worked for one of the many lumber companies in Poplar Bluff and was married with a daughter. He enlisted in the Army in 1943. Anderson shipped out to England and was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division.

On June 6, 1944, PVT Anderson hit “Bloody” Omaha Beach on D-Day. He survived and five days later was wounded in the battle of Saint Lo. He was promoted to private first class and fought his way to the German border. On Nov. 17, 1944, PFC Anderson fell in battle outside the city of Aachen. He was laid to rest overseas never seeing his twin boys born while he was gone. He is not forgotten by us and his sacrifice is honored by the liberated.

PFC Anderson’s photo is on display in the Kanell Hall Veterans Museum located in the Poplar Bluff Museum. The Museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main St., Poplar Bluff (Formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.