Kaiserslautern Kindergraves – Keeping the Promise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaylea Berry
  • 86 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The annual Kindergraves memorial service was held May 19, 2019, at the Kaiserslautern Main Cemetery, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Representatives from the City of Kaiserslautern, German-American International Women’s Club, and the 86th Airlift Wing gave remarks during the ceremony.

Herr Gerhard Prottung, representing the Mayor of Kaiserslautern, expressed his appreciation to all who attended the tribute to the children and their families.

“The loss of a loved one is a great suffering for all family and friends,” said Prottung. “We are here in such a place of remembrance. The 451 children of members of the US armed forces were buried here between 1952 and 1971.”

The City of Kaiserslautern donated two public burial plots during the initial years, however, the lease for these plots expired in 1986. The graves were secured through donations from the German-American Women’s Club of Kaiserslautern, the Army and Air Force Spouse’s Clubs and other private sources. Maintenance and care for the Kindergraves is provided by the Ramstein Area Chiefs’ Group and the German-American and International Women’s Club.

Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th AW commander, talked about the importance of the German-American relationship.

“The strength of our relationship with the Kaiserslautern community has withstood the test of time and the Kindergraves are a shining testimony to our friendship,” said August.

August also said, “we keep the promise by honoring the children buried here — we love them as if they were our own. Because they are, they are our family, and they always will be.”

For more information about Kindergraves please visit www.kaiserslautern-kindergraves.org.