Memorial Day 2021: ABMC hosted private ceremonies across the world to honor the fallen
This year, the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) hosted private Memorial Day ceremonies to honor and remember the service, achievements and sacrifices made by the thousands of men and women commemorated at our sites.
Even though ceremonies were closed again this year to respect health restrictions, in small ceremonies across the world, our staff ensured that the fallen are never forgotten.
As an ABMC superintendent remarked, Memorial Day is the day to pause and remember with gratitude the freedoms we enjoy today because of those who sacrificed all.
In addition, ABMC offered the public the opportunity to participate in virtual ceremonies.
On May 31, 2021, two pre-recorded ceremonies were broadcast via the agency’s Facebook and YouTube pages commemorating the sacrifice of our nation’s Armed Forces:
The World War I Memorial Day Ceremony, pre-recorded at Suresnes American Cemetery
The World War II Memorial Day Ceremony, pre-recorded at Epinal American Cemetery
These two virtual ceremonies represent the commemorative efforts of each ABMC cemetery and were executed with great care, consideration, and commitment; ensuring the more than 200,000 U.S. service members buried and memorialized at ABMC sites around the world are remembered.
Our ceremonies would not be complete without the support and contributions of our partners such as the U.S. European Command, the U.S. Embassies in our host countries, as well as our host nation local authorities and communities throughout the world.
Thank you to all for helping us ensure our nation's fallen continue to be remembered.
