ABMC commemorates the sacrifice of U.S. armed forces, and manages 26 overseas military cemeteries, and 32 memorials, monuments, and markers. The American Battle Monuments Commission, established by the Congress in 1923, is an agency of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government.
ABMC—guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials—honors the service, achievements and sacrifice of United States Armed Forces. ABMC's commemorative mission includes:
-Designing, constructing, operating and maintaining permanent American cemeteries in foreign countries.
-Establishing and maintaining U.S. military memorials, monuments and markers where American armed fo
ABMC—guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials—honors the service, achievements and sacrifice of United States Armed Forces. ABMC's commemorative mission includes:
-Designing, constructing, operating and maintaining permanent American cemeteries in foreign countries.
-Establishing and maintaining U.S. military memorials, monuments and markers where American armed fo
Operating as usual
08/19/2021
Today we remember Russell F. Ocenosek.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 19, 1944
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army
28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Wisconsin
Brittany American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot J Row 13 Grave 22
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 16005944 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Wisconsin
Today we remember Russell F. Ocenosek.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 19, 1944
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army
28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Wisconsin
Brittany American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot J Row 13 Grave 22
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 16005944 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Wisconsin
08/18/2021
Today we remember Philip W. Manning.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 18, 1944
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
434th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group
Entered Service From: Texas
Lorraine American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot K Row 40 Grave 18
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
Service # O-763274 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Texas
Today we remember Philip W. Manning.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 18, 1944
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
434th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group
Entered Service From: Texas
Lorraine American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot K Row 40 Grave 18
Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
Service # O-763274 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Texas
08/17/2021
Today we remember John B. Greene Sr.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 17, 1945
Private First Class, U.S. Army
148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division
Entered Service From: South Carolina
Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
Buried: Plot G Row 12 Grave 4
Award: Bronze Star
Service # 44027461 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #SouthCarolina
Today we remember John B. Greene Sr.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 17, 1945
Private First Class, U.S. Army
148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division
Entered Service From: South Carolina
Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
Buried: Plot G Row 12 Grave 4
Award: Bronze Star
Service # 44027461 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #SouthCarolina
08/16/2021
Today we remember Joseph McLaughlin.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 16, 1918
Private First Class, U.S. Army
107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division
Entered Service From: New York
Flanders Field American Cemetery, Belgium
Buried: Plot C Row 2 Grave 1 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #NewYork
Today we remember Joseph McLaughlin.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 16, 1918
Private First Class, U.S. Army
107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division
Entered Service From: New York
Flanders Field American Cemetery, Belgium
Buried: Plot C Row 2 Grave 1 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #NewYork
08/15/2021
Today we remember George C. Arsenault.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 15, 1944
Sergeant, U.S. Army
7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Maine
Rhone American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 2 Grave 25
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 31398687 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Maine
Today we remember George C. Arsenault.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 15, 1944
Sergeant, U.S. Army
7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Maine
Rhone American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 2 Grave 25
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 31398687 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Maine
08/14/2021
Today we remember William Johnson.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 14, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
367th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Division
Entered Service From: California
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot D Row 42 Grave 29 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #California
Today we remember William Johnson.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 14, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
367th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Division
Entered Service From: California
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot D Row 42 Grave 29 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #California
08/13/2021
Today we remember Emilio C. Laquidara.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 13, 1944
Private, U.S. Army
36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division
Entered Service From: New York
Netherlands American Cemetery, Netherlands
Buried: Plot O Row 20 Grave 16
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 42051583 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewYork
Today we remember Emilio C. Laquidara.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 13, 1944
Private, U.S. Army
36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division
Entered Service From: New York
Netherlands American Cemetery, Netherlands
Buried: Plot O Row 20 Grave 16
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 42051583 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewYork
08/12/2021
Today we remember Alfonzo McKissack.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 12, 1945
Private, U.S. Army
4410th Quartermaster Service Company
Entered Service From: Tennessee
Epinal American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 29 Grave 63
Service # 34326135 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Tennessee
Today we remember Alfonzo McKissack.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 12, 1945
Private, U.S. Army
4410th Quartermaster Service Company
Entered Service From: Tennessee
Epinal American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 29 Grave 63
Service # 34326135 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Tennessee
08/11/2021
Today we remember Demostene Shimko.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 11, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
131st Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division
Entered Service From: Illinois
Somme American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 15 Grave 14 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #Illinois
Today we remember Demostene Shimko.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 11, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
131st Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division
Entered Service From: Illinois
Somme American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot A Row 15 Grave 14 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #Illinois
08/10/2021
Today we remember Charles J. Beaudoin.
World War II
Private, U.S. Army
Date of Death: Aug. 10, 1944
330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Rhode Island
Brittany American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot L Row 10 Grave 18
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 31446910 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #RhodeIsland
Today we remember Charles J. Beaudoin.
World War II
Private, U.S. Army
Date of Death: Aug. 10, 1944
330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Rhode Island
Brittany American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot L Row 10 Grave 18
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 31446910 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #RhodeIsland
08/09/2021
Today we remember Lucien J. Bourgoin.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 9, 1944
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Detachment, Office of Strategic Service
Entered Service From: Massachusetts
Rhone American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot D Row 2 Grave 12
Awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart
Service # 11087181 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Massachusetts
Today we remember Lucien J. Bourgoin.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 9, 1944
First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Headquarters Detachment, Office of Strategic Service
Entered Service From: Massachusetts
Rhone American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot D Row 2 Grave 12
Awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart
Service # 11087181 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Massachusetts
08/08/2021
On this day in 1937, both the Audenarde and Kemmel American Monuments, located in Belgium, were officially dedicated.
Constructed after World War I, these monuments honor the service, sacrifice and achievements of American troops who fought in the area during the war.
The Kemmel American Monument, located six miles south of Ieper (Ypres), Belgium, pays tribute to the U.S. troops who, in the late summer of 1918, fought nearby in units attached to the British Army.
Some are buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery at Waregem, Belgium, 30 miles to the east.
The Audenarde American Monument is located in the town of Oudenaarde (Audenarde), Belgium, 45 miles west of Brussels.
The monument of golden-yellow limestone, bearing the shield of the United States flanked by two stone eagles, stands at the end of a small park maintained by ABMC.
It commemorates the dedication of the 40,000 American troops who, in October and November 1918, fought in the vicinity as units attached to the Group of Armies commanded by the King of Belgium.
They are two of 32 American Battle Monuments Commission monuments and memorials that honor the service, achievements and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces across the globe.
Today we remember John J. Judefind.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 8, 1944
Sergeant, U.S. Army
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Normandy American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot I Row 26 Grave 31
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 13154794 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Pennsylvania
Today we remember John J. Judefind.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 8, 1944
Sergeant, U.S. Army
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Normandy American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot I Row 26 Grave 31
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 13154794 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Pennsylvania
08/07/2021
Today we remember Heywood Dennis.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 7, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division
Entered Service From: South Carolina
Suresnes American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot B Row 6 Grave 19 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #SouthCarolina
Today we remember Heywood Dennis.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 7, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division
Entered Service From: South Carolina
Suresnes American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot B Row 6 Grave 19 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #SouthCarolina
08/06/2021
Lt. Cmdr. Heywood L. Edwards died in #WWII aboard the USS Reuben James, the first U.S. Navy ship to be sunk in the Atlantic during the war.
He competed the 1928 Olympics for the Team USA 🇺🇸🏅 Wrestling team.
He is memorialized at Cambridge American Cemetery, U.K. 🇬🇧
Lt. Cmdr. Heywood L. Edwards died in #WWII aboard the USS Reuben James, the first U.S. Navy ship to be sunk in the Atlantic during the war.
He competed the 1928 Olympics for the Team USA 🇺🇸🏅 Wrestling team.
He is memorialized at Cambridge American Cemetery, U.K. 🇬🇧
Today we remember James H. Yarbrough.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 6, 1944
Technician Fifth Grade U.S. Army
719th Railway Operating Battalion
Entered Service From: Illinois
Florence American Cemetery, Italy
Buried: Plot H Row 13 Grave 2
Service # 36066116 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #Illinois
Today we remember James H. Yarbrough.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 6, 1944
Technician Fifth Grade U.S. Army
719th Railway Operating Battalion
Entered Service From: Illinois
Florence American Cemetery, Italy
Buried: Plot H Row 13 Grave 2
Service # 36066116 www.abmc.gov
The Tours American Monument was dedicated Aug. 5, 1937. 🇺🇸🇫🇷
It commemorates the efforts of the 650,000 men who served in the Services of Supply during #WWI.
Their work behind the battle lines made possible the achievements of the American Expeditionary Forces on the frontlines.
08/05/2021
U.S. Army Col. Clayton J. Mansfield competed as a Team USA modern pentathlon athlete in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
A West Point - The U.S. Military Academy graduate, 12 years later he would make the ultimate sacrifice as part of the #ArmyTeam during #WWII. 🇺🇸
He now rests at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Belgium.
U.S. Army Col. Clayton J. Mansfield competed as a Team USA modern pentathlon athlete in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
A West Point - The U.S. Military Academy graduate, 12 years later he would make the ultimate sacrifice as part of the #ArmyTeam during #WWII. 🇺🇸
He now rests at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Belgium.
Today we remember Jean Van Den Brand.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 5 1943
Merchant Seaman, U.S. Merchant Marine
Entered Service From: New York
North Africa American Cemetery, Tunisia
Buried: Plot E Row 1 Grave 8
Service # Z-271543 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewYork
Today we remember Jean Van Den Brand.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 5 1943
Merchant Seaman, U.S. Merchant Marine
Entered Service From: New York
North Africa American Cemetery, Tunisia
Buried: Plot E Row 1 Grave 8
Service # Z-271543 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewYork
08/04/2021
"2nd Lt. Christensen's leadership, intrepidity, and repeatedly demonstrated gallantry in action at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces."
He is buried at the #WWII Manila American Cemetery. 🇵🇭🇺🇸
Today we remember Paul J. Waltner
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 4, 1943
Private, U.S. Army
15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: New Jersey
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Italy
Buried: Plot J Row 15 Grave 49
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 32307422 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewJersey
Today we remember Paul J. Waltner
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 4, 1943
Private, U.S. Army
15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: New Jersey
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Italy
Buried: Plot J Row 15 Grave 49
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 32307422 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWII #NewJersey
08/03/2021
Have you been following the Olympics?
For more than a week, the world has watched as athletes from across the United States and around the globe have gathered to compete in the 2020 Olympics.
The Olympic games celebrate athletic excellence, the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, and the power of sports to bring nations together.
Excellence, teamwork and dedication are also common themes throughout the lives of the more than 200,000 individuals we honor every day at our sites.
The same drive and passion that motivates competitors on the sports field proved invaluable for many on the battlefield.
Among the many individuals buried or memorialized at ABMC’s 26 cemeteries and 32 monuments are a dozen Team USA Olympians.
“As we join in celebrating the American athletes competing in this year’s games, we want to also recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of a dozen individuals who competed for, and in many cases won, Olympic medals before they made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.” said Rob Dalessandro, acting ABMC secretary.
Learn more about these Olympians in the infographic below.
#Olympics #Tokyo2020 #TokyoOlympics #TeamUSA
Have you been following the Olympics?
For more than a week, the world has watched as athletes from across the United States and around the globe have gathered to compete in the 2020 Olympics.
The Olympic games celebrate athletic excellence, the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, and the power of sports to bring nations together.
Excellence, teamwork and dedication are also common themes throughout the lives of the more than 200,000 individuals we honor every day at our sites.
The same drive and passion that motivates competitors on the sports field proved invaluable for many on the battlefield.
Among the many individuals buried or memorialized at ABMC’s 26 cemeteries and 32 monuments are a dozen Team USA Olympians.
“As we join in celebrating the American athletes competing in this year’s games, we want to also recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of a dozen individuals who competed for, and in many cases won, Olympic medals before they made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.” said Rob Dalessandro, acting ABMC secretary.
Learn more about these Olympians in the infographic below.
#Olympics #Tokyo2020 #TokyoOlympics #TeamUSA
08/03/2021
Today we remember Thomas Dabney Kern.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 3, 1918
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division
Entered Service From: West Virginia
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot B Row 6 Grave 22 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #WestVirginia
Today we remember Thomas Dabney Kern.
World War I
Date of Death: Aug. 3, 1918
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division
Entered Service From: West Virginia
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, France
Buried: Plot B Row 6 Grave 22 www.abmc.gov
#WeRemember #WWI #WestVirginia
Address
2300 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
General information
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) manages this Facebook fan page as a portal for information from ABMC. However, information posted here is not official policy of ABMC and will in no way grant anyone any rights, privileges, or standing on any matter. All information should be verified through official channels at ABMC. For contact information at ABMC, please visit: http://www.abmc.gov/contact.php
Comment Policy:
To maintain dignity and respect for the mission of ABMC, we ask that your messages be respectful and considerate. We ask that you follow our posting guidelines set forth below. Comments and posts that do not follow these guidelines will be removed:
-ABMC will delete comments that contain abusive, vulgar, offensive, threatening or harassing language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups.
- ABMC will delete comments that are clearly off-topic, that promote services or products, or that promote or oppose any political party, person campaigning for elected office, or any ballot proposition.
-ABMC will delete comments that are solicitations or advertisements, to include the promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.
-ABMC will delete comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity.
-ABMC will delete apparent spam. The author(s) may be blocked from the page without notice.
-ABMC will delete comments that include certain personally identifiable information, such as social security numbers, addresses and telephone numbers.
-Participate at your own risk. Take personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided.
-The content of all comments is immediately released into the public domain, so do not submit anything you do not wish to be broadcast to the general public.
-The appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of ABMC.
You are encouraged to quote, republish or share any content on this page on your own blog, website or other communication/publication. If you do so, please credit ABMC.
Members of the media are asked to pose questions to the ABMC Public Affairs Office through their normal channels and to refrain from submitting questions here as comments. Media questions or comments will not be posted.
Privacy Notice
This site is not hosted by ABMC and thus the privacy policies of ABMC do not apply. The privacy policy for this website may be found at http://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation.php. ABMC retains records of the content on the ABMC portion of this site, as is provided for in our records retention schedules and mandated by the Federal Records Act. These records include user comments and any personally identifiable information a commenter shares with ABMC. Because these records are collected from a public website, it may be disclosed to others and used by ABMC in the conduct of agency business. ABMC disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from any comments posted on this page. This forum may not be used for the submission of any claim, demand, informal or formal complaint, or any other form of legal and/or administrative notice or process, or for the exhaustion of any legal and/or administrative remedy.
Information about ABMC, including its privacy policy, is available on ABMC’s official web page at www.abmc.gov.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when American Battle Monuments Commission posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to American Battle Monuments Commission:
Videos
ABMC Dedicates the Tours American Monument (1937)
Mexico City National Cemetery
New York, San Francisco WWII memorials honor those lost at sea
American Battle Monuments Commission
Memorial Day 2021: Keeping the promise we made to honor our WWII fallen and their sacrifices
Memorial Day 2021: A time to reflect on the sacrifices made on our behalf
Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery
More than 170,000 WWII fallen heroes are honored at our sites
More than 35,000 WWI fallen heroes are honored at our sites
Join us on Memorial Day for a special virtual tribute
Their sacrifice is not forgotten
While this year Memorial Day will be different, our commitment is not.
Following World War I, Congress recognized the need for federal control over the commemoration of American armed forces overseas. On March 4, 1923, President Warren Harding signed legislation that established the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and made the new agency responsible for the construction of monuments honoring the American Expeditionary Forces. Soon after, Congress directed ABMC to construct memorial chapels in the eight permanent military cemeteries in Europe, which were at the time maintained by the War Department. In 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order that shifted the responsibility for the management and maintenance of these hallowed grounds to ABMC.
Final dispositions of the remains of service personnel who died in World War I and World War II were carried out under the provisions of Public Law 389, 66th Congress and Public Law 368, 80th Congress, respectively. These laws entitled the next of kin to select permanent interment of a family member’s remains in an American military cemetery on foreign soil designed, constructed and maintained specifically to honor in perpetuity the dead of these wars. Alternatively, the next of kin could have the remains repatriated to the United States for interment in a national or private cemetery.
The disposition of remains was carried out by the War Department's Graves Registration Service under the Quartermaster General. From time to time ABMC receives requests from relatives asking that the instructions of the next of kin at the time of interment be disregarded. Those making such requests are informed that the decision made by the next of kin at the time of interment is final. After seeing the beauty and immaculate care of ABMC cemeteries, many of these same individuals later tell the ABMC they are pleased the remains have remained in these overseas shrines.
Today, ABMC administers, operates and maintains 26 permanent American burial grounds and 30 separate memorials, monuments and markers, on foreign soil. It also maintains three memorials in the United States. Today there are more than 139,000 American war dead interred in these cemeteries, of which 30,995 are from World War I commemorative cemeteries, 92,936 from World War II commemorative cemeteries, and 750 from the Mexican-American War. Additionally, more than 15,000 American veterans and others are interred in the Mexico City National Cemetery, Corozal American Cemetery and Clark Veterans Cemetery. More than 60,000 American servicemen and women who were missing in action, lost, or buried at sea during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are memorialized by name on stone tablets in ABMC cemeteries and memorials.
World War I Commemorative Program
ABMC’s World War I commemorative program consisted of four major engineering programs:
Erecting a non-sectarian chapel in each of the eight military cemeteries on foreign soil established by the War Department to inter the dead of that war;
Landscaping each of the cemeteries and installing permanent headstones;
Erecting 11 separate monuments and two markers elsewhere in Europe to commemorate significant campaigns and engagements; and
Constructing the Allied Expeditionary Forces World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
In 1934 a Presidential Executive Order transferred the eight World War I cemeteries to ABMC and made it responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of future permanent American military burial grounds located in foreign countries. In January 2017, the World War I commemorative program expanded when ABMC acquired its 26th cemetery, the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery near Paris.
World War II
By the end of World War II, the U.S. Army had established several hundred temporary burial grounds around the world. In 1947 the Secretary of the Army and ABMC selected fourteen sites in foreign countries to become permanent American cemeteries. The chosen locations of these cemeteries corresponded with the course of military operations. They were turned over to ABMC after the interments had been completed by the Graves Registration Service, which was part of the U.S. Army. The configuration of the burials was proposed by an ABMC-appointed cemetery architect and approved by ABMC. After the war all temporary cemeteries not designated as permanent were disestablished by the War Department, and the remains permanently interred in accordance with the directions of the next of kin. In a few instances the next of kin requested that isolated burials be left undisturbed. In these cases, the next of kin assumed responsibility for the care of the grave.
As was the case with World War I cemeteries, the World War II cemeteries were permanent military burial grounds granted in perpetuity by respective host countries free of charge or taxation. Except in the Philippines, burial in these cemeteries is limited by agreement with the host country to members of the U.S. armed forces who died overseas during the war. American civilian technicians, Red Cross workers and entertainers serving the military were treated as if members of the armed forces when determining eligibility for burial. The agreement with the Republic of the Philippines permitted members of the Philippine Army that fought with the U.S. armed forces in the Philippines and died to be interred or memorialized in the Manila American Cemetery. ABMC’s World War I and World War II cemeteries are closed to further burials, except for the remains of American war dead recovered from time to time in the battle areas.
World War II Commemorative Program
ABMC’s World War II commemorative program consisted of:
Constructing 14 permanent American military cemeteries on foreign soil;
Constructing monuments, memorials and markers on foreign soil; and
Constructing three memorials in the United States
In addition to landscaped grave areas and nonsectarian chapels, the World War II cemeteries contain memorials, sculpture(s), battle maps and narratives depicting the course of the war in the region, and a visitor reception area.
Headstones
Each grave site for the World War I and World War II cemeteries is marked by a headstone of pristine white marble. Headstones of those of the Jewish faith are tapered marble shafts surmounted by a Star of David. Stylized marble Latin crosses mark all others. Annotated on the headstones of the World War I servicemen who could not be identified is: "Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.” The words "American Soldier" were changed to "Comrade in Arms" on the headstones of the unidentified of World War II.
Memorials Built by ABMC
Three memorials in Washington, D.C. – the American Expeditionary Forces Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial – were established by ABMC and are now administered by the National Park Service.
Commission Structure
The policy making body of ABMC consists of 11 commissioners appointed by the President of the United States for an indefinite term. They serve without compensation, and meet with the professional staff of ABMC twice annually. ABMC has approximately 400 full-time civilian employees. Eighty of these are U.S. citizens of which more than 50 serve overseas. The remaining civilian employees are non-U.S. citizens from the countries where ABMC sites are located.
ABMC headquarters is located in Arlington, Va. A Paris-based office has operational responsibility for ABMC’s overseas cemeteries and memorials. Cemetery superintendents and their assistants are selected for their commitment to the heritage they honor. They do this by communicating the stories of the fallen that are buried or memorialized in our cemeteries to the public. They supervise staff that maintains the physical features, utilities and horticultural elements of the site ensuring the grounds remain in pristine condition.
Chairmen
General of the Armies John J. Pershing was appointed to the newly-formed ABMC in 1923 by President Warren G. Harding, and was elected chairman by the other members. He served as chairman until his death in 1948. He was succeeded by Gen. George C. Marshall. Following Gen. Marshall's death in 1959, Gen. Jacob L. Devers became chairman. He was succeeded by Gen. Mark W. Clark in 1969. Gen. Clark died in 1984, and Gen. Andrew J. Goodpaster was elected the following year. Gen. P. X. Kelley succeeded Gen. Goodpaster in 1991. Gen. Frederick F. Woerner became chairman in 1994. Gen. Kelley returned to ABMC in August 2001, succeeding Gen. Woerner. In 2005, Gen. Frederick M. Franks, Jr., assumed the chairmanship, and served until January 2009. Gen. Merrill A. McPeak was elected chairman in June 2011, and served until January 2018. David J. Urban was appointed to the board in May 2018, and then appointed as the eleventh chairman of ABMC in July 2018.
CIMETIERE AMERICAIN DE SAINT – AVOLD – MOSELLE
LE TITRE – 10 489 –
Le thème – Conversation entre 3 jeunes américains enterrés au LORRAINE and AMERICAN CEMETERY, et 2 jeunes adolescents nommés CLEMENCE et JULES venant leur rendre hommage...
.Hello young people, you often come to visit us, we recognize you .
(Bonjour les jeunes, vous venez souvent ns rendre visite, nous vous reconnaissons. )
( Les jeunes étonnés de ces voix d' outre tombe, tournent la tête, à droite à gauche, derrière eux et demeurent comme pétrifiés )
Do not be afraid, we are not dead, we are sleeping ...
( N' ayez pas peur, on n' est pas mort, on dort...)
Cela fait un moment qu'on est là
1944 ou 1945 on croit,
Morts à BITCHE, à ST DIE où à SELESTAT
L' important est, qu' on soit tous là
Qu'on ne nous ai pas séparés,
Et si aucun président n'est venu
Ni français ni américain,
C'est qu'ils n' ont pas eu le temps,
Ont- ils dit,
Vous voir tous les deux,
Fait énormément de bien
Croyez le les enfants,
Lorsque Franklin, Winston et Charles nous ont
appelés
On a tout laissé tomber et on est venu pour vous aider
On vous à tous aimés comme on a aimé la France......
Les 2 jeunes – CLEMENCE et JULES...remis de leurs émotions...
C'est normal qu'on soit là les gars,
Maman est né un 6 juin, et ,
On est pas près d' oublier, que,
Grâce à vous on parle français,
On pense en français , on lit en français,
Grâce à vous, HARRY, LYLE, BRANDON,
On peut aussi parler et discuter en anglais
Avec vous, qui un jour,
Au mépris de votre vie,
Etes venus nous libérer,
Vous les 10 489, qui dorment ici
Et tous les autres,
Qui reposent en France,
Et aux 4 coins du monde
Libérer notre France, notre peuple,
Nous libérer du joug d' un sa**ud,
Et d' un pauvre mec
Qu' on appelait BENITO...
Harry, tu a laissé ta ferme du Texas,
Tes arbres fruitiers, tes champs de blés,
Lyle, tu a laissé tes gosses et ta femme,
Que jamais tu n' a revus, sans verser une larme
Brandon, tu as délaissé ton hôpital,
Tes patients qui comptaient sur toi,
Pour venir nous guérir d'une maladie
Venue de Germanie
D'un fou furieux appelé ADOLF
Et d'un autre , MUSSOLINI
Aujourd'hui encore on se demande
Si une telle chose arrivait,
Partout ailleurs dans le monde
Nous irions jusqu' à nous déranger.
Il y a aujourd'hui, tant de haine,
Tant de mépris et de racisme
Ici bas sur cette terre,
Que l'on dérive tout droit vers le fascisme
Mais jamais nous nous ferons à l'idée
Que même à l' issue d'une énorme bataille,
Que les 6 millions de morts juifs
Ne soient comme pour certains,
Qu'un simple détail..
Et si toi Harry, si toi LYLE, si toi BRANDON,
Nous avez rappelé, que sur BEDLOE'S ISLAND,
Un français nommé BARTOLDI vous a offert,
Le plus beau des cadeaux,
Celui de cette statue de la Liberté,
Cette Liberté éclairant le Monde
Nous à aussi ouvert les yeux.
Et demain, on vous promets,
Qu' au moment d' affronter les extrêmes,
De vous HARRY, LYLE et BRANDON,
Et de tous les autres,
Nous nous inspirerons,
Et ensemble, ces sa**uds ,
Qui n' aiment ni les juifs,
Les noirs, les musulmans ou les homos,
nous vaincrons
Et cela sans trembler même.....
ARMAND BEHR AVEC Clémence et Jules.
...
Remembering 1st Lt Leo F Baumann on what would of been his 99th birthday. 🇺🇸🙏🇬🇧
Yesterday, the remains of Staff Sergeant Raymond Carlyle Blanton returned to Richmond Virginia. It was the homecoming after 77 years of missing in action for Sergeant Blanton. I have done many years of research supporting DPAA in this case, and it resulted in the identification of 3 soldiers so far. My main focus has been on Sergeant Blanton, as I have become very close to his family over the last 12 years. To see him finally coming home in full military honors is just incredible. He will be buried on July 1st.
Welcome home hero. Welcome home Carlyle.
https://9thinfantrydivision.net/raymond-c-blanton/
Great People who deserve a lot of honor . Never forget the children who lost their dads during this horrible war 😔
In 1994, the 451st Army Band was selected by the Chief of the Army Reserve to represent the United States Army Reserve at the ceremonies commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Allied Landings in Normandy, France and at ceremonies in Paris.
Hymn to the Fallen recorded 17 June 2000
Ted Mann Concert Hall, University of Minnesota
St. Andrew Lutheran Church Choir, Eden Prairie
https://www.facebook.com/669891062/videos/10157036981206063/
Remember for them, for us ... D-Day 😢
Good evening,
Sorry for my bad Englis, I an in French on Utah Beach an and found today this "plaque d'identité" (in french). At Crisbecq in my land during works in a bunker on the Atlantik Wall
I went to the Brittany American Cemetery today for Memorial Day. It was very disappointing not to see our war graves with American and French flags as on past Memorial Days. Hopefully, this tradition will restart next year after the covid restrictions are lifted.
Spending Memorial weekend honoring our fallen in American Cemeteries in France. First stop, Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial.
Im trying to get a photo of the burial site where my Uncle PFC Edwin Trujillo who died in the March of Bataan June 1942 (he was 19 years old). I have the plot number, row no. etc. He was in the 515th Coastal Artillery Regiment and is buried at the Manila American Cemetery.
Taguig City, Philippines
