Recently some of those who helped Peggy solve the questions about her uncle’s death and burial came to the United States. In addition to meeting with the Timberwolves at their annual reunion in Colorado where Vincent DeSaadeleer and Peggy Gouras spoke to the group, they also toured New Orleans and the Gulf Coast where they fulfilled an ambition — to go horseback riding.

They stayed in Clarksdale at the Shackup Inn, went to Ole Miss, toured the Old Court House Museum and the Vicksburg National Military Park. All are deeply involved in the program of adopting and caring for the graves of American soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. Coming to the United States in addition to DeSaadeleer, were Ben DeStarke and Esther Eenhuizen.

Once the trips were completed, Peggy said she wrote Ron Kieboon and thanked him for escorting her and helping her find her uncle’s marker.

A letter from him reads, “It was my deep honor to accompany you to the cemetery … What your uncle did for my parents and grandparents was more than we can ever repay. He gave his life for our freedom, so that my kids and I grow up in peace. It was my deep honor.”

Mabry Mayfield’s sacrifice has created lasting friendships that span time and the ocean.