Walter,

I'm not downplaying the Netherlands' contribution. But lets be fair. Your army had no hope against the German army in WWII and even less hope against the Soviets 20 years later. Between you and the Soviets was US determination and nuclear weapons. Without that, you might be living in a communist paradise like one of those poor Eastern European nations trying to re-establish their previous prosperity.

re Soviet intentions to expand - Communism's world agenda was openly published.

It is very clear that if Europe had to defend itself while Germany was divided and disarmed, all of you would have had to stay geared up for war. Univeral conscription, production of arms rather than automobiles, tanks rather than amusement parks. Instead you were able to develop your economies along civilian lines, addressing civilian concerns and establishing the Western freedoms that we now take for granted.

Please accept I'm not criticising anybody. I'm just saying the US has done a lot of good, and continues to do a lot of good. But it seems to be fashionable to focus on the negatives.