The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) was established by Congress in 1923 as an independent federal agency to oversee its sacred mission in perpetuity. As the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and military memorials worldwide, ABMC honors the service, achievements and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Memorial Day is not just a date on a calendar. It’s a sacred pause.”
Memorial Day is a special day to honor our nation’s fallen in solemn remembrance and pay tribute to those buried or memorialized at our 26 cemeteries and 31 memorials around the world.
Today, we pause and pay honor to those who laid down their lives to ensure our collective freedom from tyranny and to preserve American liberties and way of life.
"Behind every cross is a story." 🇺🇸 Cpl. Frank M. Elliott is one of the 9,388 personal stories behind the crosses at Normandy American Cemetery.
His daughter, DeRonda Elliott, shares his story and discusses the legacy of those who served on D-Day.
“The sacrifices that all the Allied men and women made is appreciated, respected, and definitely not forgotten.”
The daughter of Staff Sergeant Stephen Coleman, Carol Donahue, shares insights into the soldiers' mindset upon their arrival at Normandy's Utah Beach on June 6, 1944.
She emphasizes the importance of the American Battle Monuments Commission's efforts and expresses assurance that her father will receive enduring care for years to come.
“The world wouldn’t be what it is today if it hadn’t been for the sacrifice of all those young men.”
Carol LaBounty, daughter of Pfc. George J. Rajner, talks about her father's decision to join the military, his role on D-Day, and the ultimate price he paid during the Normandy invasion.
Her father is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery: Section A, Row 11, Grave 18.
“If you don’t protect that beach, the men can’t come in, if the men can’t come in, you can’t win a war.”
Staff Sergeant Irving Locker landed on Utah Beach with the 116th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on D-Day.
80 years later, he recounts what he experienced that historic day.
“I have to go back, because there’s something there that draws you back.”
WWII Veteran Senior Master Sergeant Harry Miller joined the U.S. Army at the age of 15.
In the winter of 1944, he landed on the beaches of Normandy with the 740th Tank Battalion.
June 6 marked 80 years since the Normandy landings.
Together, let's honor those who fought for freedom.
“If there was one message for future generations, it would be never forget and remember them.”
George Luz Jr., the son of Easy Company member Technician 4th grade George Luz Sr., speaks on the importance of remembering the legacy of our D-Day heroes.
On June 6, we honored the Allied men and women who fought to preserve freedom.
"They were willing to stand up and go out and not all of them came back."
Carver McGriff stormed Utah Beach on D-Day +1.
Since that day, he has returned to Normandy multiple times to honor the men he served alongside who did not make it home.
This week, Carver and fellow WWII veterans returned to the Normandy American Cemetery to recognize the 80 years that have passed since June 6, 1944.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, U.S. WWII veterans returned to Normandy.
They walked the beaches they once stormed.
They reunited with their fallen comrades-in-arms.
They shared their stories.
Thank you will never be enough.
It was an honor to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Learn more: ABMC commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
