Story and photos by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs May 26, 2023
Bruni Putz, German-American Heritage Club member, and Christine Schneider, German-American Women’s Club president, lay wreaths during a ceremony at the American Kindergraves Memorial in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 20, 2023. The wreath-laying ceremony was held to show respect for the families and the 451 American infants who passed away shortly after birth in Germany from 1952 to 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera)
In honor of the 451 American infants buried at Kaiserslautern Cemetery, the Kaiserslautern Kindergraves Memorial Foundation held an annual memorial service in the Kaiserslautern City Cemetery, May 20.
The children were born from 1952 to 1971 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center or at German hospitals nearby, but passed away at birth or shortly after.
“Traditionally we hold this event on the Saturday after Mother’s Day,” said Christine Schneider, the German-American International Women’s Club president. “Our American friends and neighbors know that we care, regardless of the time that has passed.”
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Laura Kluga, United States Air Forces in Europe Band member, plays taps during a ceremony at the American Kindergraves Memorial in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 20, 2023. Taps was sounded during the ceremony to honor the American infants who passed away between 1952 and 1971 in Germany, and were unable to return to the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera)
Following every Mother’s Day, a ceremony is held for the infants. This allows service members and families to show their support for those impacted by the children’s passing.
“There’s a sacred connection between parent and child,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “We gather to reflect on these mothers and infants, but we can also reflect on our own children and the love we have for them.”
Those who attended the ceremony were families of children, local officials and members of the military community. Attendees placed wreaths, prayed, and observed a moment of silence.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander, provides remarks during the Kindergraves Memorial ceremony at Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 20, 2023. The memorial was dedicated to the memory of American infants who passed shortly after birth between the years of 1952 and 1971 in Germany and were unable to return home to the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera)
“We all have different experiences but we understand how fragile life is,” said Jones. “We must cherish everyday, as a gift, one not to be taken for granted.”
Since 1986, Kaiserslautern Kindergraves Memorial Foundation has managed the upkeep of the Kindergraves, with support from the German-American International Women’s Club and the Ramstein Chiefs Group.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Vladimir Tchekan, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band senior enlisted leader, concludes the American Kindergraves Memorial ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 20, 2023. Tchekan is in the Ramstein Area Chiefs’ Group which collaborates with other local groups to honor the American children who passed away in Germany between 1952 and 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera)
U.S. flags and flowers adorn graves during an annual ceremony at the American Kindergraves Memorial in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 20, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the 451 American infants who died shortly after birth between 1952 and 1971. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Isaac Olivera)
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