The American Battle Monuments Commission hosts ceremony at Utah Beach American Memorial during USS Normandy visit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media advisory

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ARLINGTON, Va. – Nov. 14, 2022 - The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) will host a ceremony at the Utah Beach American Memorial on Nov. 16, 2022, at  1 p.m. in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet during the visit of the USS Normandy to France.

Both U.S. and French dignitaries will attend the ceremonial event, including the U.S. Consul for Western France, Elizabeth Webster; the USS Normandy Commanding Officer, Capt. Gary Chase; the Prefet of Manche Department, Frédéric Périssat; the Prefet Maritime, Marc Véran; and the Mayor of Ste. Marie du Mont, Charles de Vallavieille.

The ceremony will include a U.S. and French review of troops as well as a wreath laying to commemorate the lives lost during the Normandy campaign. The USS Normandy, which was commissioned in 1989, was named for the historic landings during World War II.

“It is an honor for ABMC to host this event at Utah Beach American Memorial, which shows the special relationship the U.S. and France have, but also the continued commitment of our local communities to join us in honoring those who gave all for the liberation of France,” said Scott Desjardins, Normandy American Cemetery superintendent.

Journalists who would like to attend the Nov. 16 event should contact ABMC PAO team: publicaffairs@abmc.gov.

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About American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC):

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) operates and maintains 26 cemeteries and 32 federal memorials, monuments, and commemorative plaques in 17 countries throughout the world, including the United States. The four memorials in the United States are: the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.; the Honolulu memorial located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii; the West Coast Memorial located within the Presidio National Park in San Francisco, Calif; and the East Coast Memorial located within Battery City Park in New York, N.Y. Since March 4, 1923, ABMC’s sacred mission remains to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifice of more than 200,000 U.S. service members buried and memorialized at our sites. For more information about ABMC, visit abmc.gov.

About Utah Beach American Memorial: Utah Beach American Memorial | American Battle Monuments Commission (abmc.gov)