Virginia man connects with Dutch firefighter caring for WWII father's grave

82-year-old James Midkiff finds healing through unexpected bond with Marco Bastin, who tends to his father's final resting place in the Netherlands

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An 82-year-old Virginia man, James Midkiff, has connected with a Dutch firefighter named Marco Bastin who has been caring for Midkiff's father's grave at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Holland for years. Midkiff's father, Staff Sergeant Frank Midkiff, was killed during World War II when James was just an infant. Through the Forever Promise Project, Midkiff and Bastin were able to meet virtually and express their profound gratitude for one another.

Why it matters

This story highlights the lasting impact of World War II and the enduring gratitude of the Dutch people towards American soldiers who liberated their country from Nazi occupation. It also demonstrates the healing power of unexpected connections and the importance of honoring the sacrifices of those who served.

The details

Frank Midkiff joined the 8th Air Force during WWII and spent only three days with his wife Kitty and infant son before being shipped overseas. On December 20, 1943, Frank's B-17 was shot down and crashed in Germany during a mission, killing him and seven other crew members. Frank is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery, where each of the more than 10,000 graves has been adopted by Dutch citizens as a perpetual thank you for liberating their country. Marco Bastin, a 38-year-old Dutch firefighter, lives near the cemetery and adopted Frank's grave years ago, following a family tradition started by his grandparents at the end of WWII.

  • Frank Midkiff was killed on December 20, 1943.
  • The virtual meeting between James Midkiff and Marco Bastin took place in 2026.

The players

James Midkiff

An 82-year-old man from Powhatan, Virginia, whose father, Staff Sergeant Frank Midkiff, was killed during World War II when James was just an infant.

Frank Midkiff

James Midkiff's father, a Staff Sergeant in the 8th Air Force who was killed in action during World War II when his B-17 was shot down over Germany on December 20, 1943.

Marco Bastin

A 38-year-old Dutch firefighter who lives near the Netherlands American Cemetery and has been caring for Frank Midkiff's grave for years, following a family tradition started by his grandparents at the end of WWII.

Robert Edsel

The bestselling author who launched the Forever Promise Project, which connects families of fallen service members with their Dutch adopters.

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What they’re saying

“Marco, I cannot say thank you enough. The fact that you people carry this through. To take your time it means a lot.”

— James Midkiff

“It is a beautiful spot. We are proud of it. We hope they are proud of it as our we.”

— Marco Bastin, Dutch firefighter

“No country has demonstrated a fidelity to the United States and gratitude to the United States at the level that the Dutch have.”

— Robert Edsel, Bestselling author

“We do it with a lot of love. Thank you very much.”

— Marco Bastin, Dutch firefighter

“It is a surprise for me now to know that Frank has a son. That is really nice. I do it with a lot of love and respect for your father.”

— Marco Bastin, Dutch firefighter

What’s next

The Forever Promise Project plans to continue connecting more families of fallen service members with their Dutch adopters in the future.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the enduring bonds between the United States and the Netherlands, and the power of unexpected connections to provide healing and comfort to those who have lost loved ones in service to their country.