VALDOSTA, Ga. – South Georgia audiences will have a chance to see the film about a Dutch family that cares for the grave site of an American soldier who died in World War II.

The soldier was from Valdosta. The creator of the movie “Our Soldier” is scheduled to visit Valdosta again.

“Filmmaker Jotja Bessems’ family adopted the grave of a fallen American soldier which connected them with the family of Army Staff Sgt. Sidney Beck here in Valdosta,” according to organizers of the screening. “Tracing generations, ‘Our Soldier’ looks at this generous gift from both sides of the adoption.”

Bessems traveled to Valdosta a few years ago to film portions of the documentary. Last year, her parents visited Valdosta as part of a memorial ceremony held for Beck at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

The film aired on national television in the Netherlands and has won several awards.

She said she looks forward to her return to Valdosta.  

“Having the opportunity to show the film in Valdosta is like we say in Dutch: the cherry on the pie,” Bessems said. “This makes the circle round and complete. Screening the film in Sidney’s hometown brings his remembrance alive and that of so many other soldiers who fought and lost their life for freedom.

“Especially in these turbulent times, it’s so important to not forget the cost and pain of peace. To me, Valdosta is where this whole journey began and returning the film to Sidney’s family and soil means everything to me. I want to thank all those who made possible this very special event.”

The screening is sponsored by the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and the Valdosta-Lowndes Film Initiative. Valdosta State University will also host a screening.

Beck is buried in Margraten, the Dutch cemetery dedicated to thousands of American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II. 

Beck grew up in Valdosta. He survived landing at Normandy on June 10, 1944, a few days after D-Day. He survived a wound at Cherbourg. He helped in the liberation of the Netherlands. He crossed the bridge at Remagen. There, in Germany, shortly before the war ended, Sidney Beck was killed April 5, 1945, likely by a single bullet from a German sniper, according to his military records. 

For the past several years, the Bessems have cared for the grave where Beck is buried in the Netherlands.

“We are the Dutch adopters of Sidney Beck and visit his grave in the Netherlands several times a year,” said Hub Bessems during his and wife Nel’s visit last year to Valdosta. “We do that to show our gratitude for our liberation and to thank Sidney for his courage and for his sacrifice.

“The adoption program in the Netherlands, in Margraten to be precise, started in 1945 and has existed for 71 years. Last November (2015), all 10,023 American soldiers (buried at the cemetery) were adopted. … The adoption program links adopters in Holland and next of kin in the United States of America. It unites two countries in remembering. It unites two countries in celebrating freedom and peace. It unites two countries in telling the stories of the great offer made by all the American soldiers during the Second World War. 

“These stories are supposed to inspire us and motivate us in our daily life. We must not forget them.”

The Bessems adopted Beck’s grave in Margraten in 2007. 

Beck’s brother was the late James Beck, a former mayor and state representative. Sydney Beck has several nieces, women born after his death overseas. The nieces include Betty Gene Birdwell, Jenny Howard, Mary Jane Rekel and Anne White.

“We’re excited that (Bessems) is returning to Valdosta and there will be a showing at the arts center as well as Valdosta State University,” Birdwell said. “We feel blessed that our families have formed such a strong friendship, all because of the adoption program at the cemetery in Margraten. The bond of the Netherlands people with our fallen soldiers is truly a story that should be told, and (Bessems’) film is a wonderful tribute.”

SHOWTIME

Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and the Valdosta-Lowndes Film Initiative screens the award-winning film “Our Soldier.”

SCREEING No. 1

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2.

Where: Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St.

More information: Call (229) 247-2787. Center requests people call for reservations.

SCREENING No. 2

When: 1 p.m. Friday, March 3.

Where: Valdosta State University Student Union Theatre.

Both screenings are free and open to the public.