FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates the 78th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery

Dignitaries and several World War II veterans attend ceremony

ARLINGTON, Va. (June 6, 2022) — The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) held its annual D-Day ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery (NOAC) today. The event honored the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in D-Day on June 6, 1944, as well as the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and are buried or memorialized at the cemetery.  

“Originally chaired by Gen. of the Armies John J. Pershing, the American Battle Monuments Commission continues to honor the memory of thousands of fallen comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice in our country’s wars,” said Edmund Ryan, director of Cemetery Operations for ABMC. “We remain committed to ensuring that their stories are imparted to future generations, so that we can uphold Gen. Pershing’s promise that ‘time will not dim the glory of their deeds,’”

World War II Veterans were present for the ceremony and received honors and applause from the official party and all in attendance.

During the ceremony, remarks were made by:  

– U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, the Honorable Denise Campbell Bauer;

–  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley;

– Sub-prefect of Lisieux, representing the French Republic, Guillaume Lericolais;

– Mayor of Colleville-sur-Mer & President of the Inter-municipality Isigny-Omaha, Patrick Thomines; and

– Donnie Edwards, president of Best Defense Foundation.

The remarks and the wreath-laying were preceded by a fly-over of C-130s from the U.S. Air Force 86th Airlift Wing based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

NOAC has the honor of recognizing the service and sacrifice of more than 9,300 U.S. service members interred there, and more than 1,500 names inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.

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