Sunday, November 11, 2018, marked the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. To commemorate this occasion, President Donald J. Trump, as well as ABMC Secretary William M. Matz, participated in a ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery in France. ABMC manages nine WWI cemeteries in Europe, where more than 35,000 Americans who died in the Great War are honored. Matz delivered remarks during the ceremony and introduced the president. “During this Centennial period, we have reaffirmed our mission to honor the 4.7 million Americans who served in the Great War,” said Matz. “In France and all along the Western Front, American troops proved decisive in the Allied victory. American soldiers fought side by side with their wartime allies, helping to stop the final enemy offensive, to turn the tide of battle, and finally to end the war.”
Matz then introduced President Trump, who emphasized the importance of the ABMC mission and honored all those who gave the last full measure of devotion. “We are gathered together at this hallowed resting place to pay tribute to the brave Americans who gave their last breath in that mighty struggle,” said President Trump in his remarks. “Here on the revered grounds of Suresnes American Cemetery lie more than 1,500 U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the first world war.”
During the ceremony President Trump presented Matz with an American flag that recently had flown over the White House. The flag will be on display at Suresnes American Cemetery.
Prior to the ceremony, Matz escorted Trump into the plot area of the cemetery. There he was greeted by Superintendent Keith Stadler, who spoke briefly about the cemetery, and those honored there.