ARLINGTON, Va. (August 3, 2021) – For more than a week, the world has watched as athletes from across the United States and around the globe have gathered to compete in the 2020 Olympics. The Olympic games celebrate athletic excellence, the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, and the power of sports to bring nations together.

Excellence, teamwork and dedication are also common themes throughout the lives of the more than 200,000 individuals honored by the American Battle Monuments Commission. The same drive and passion that motivates competitors on the sports field proved invaluable for many on the battlefield. Among the many individuals buried or memorialized at ABMC’s 26 cemeteries and 32 monuments are a dozen Olympians.

“At the core of ABMC’s mission is our commitment to fulfill the promise of Gen. of the Armies John J. Pershing, ABMC’s first Chairman, that ‘time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” said Rob Dalessandro, acting ABMC secretary. “As we join in celebrating the American athletes competing in this year’s games, we want to also recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of a dozen individuals who competed for, and in many cases won, Olympic medals before they made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.”

Learn more about these Olympians in the infographic below.

About ABMC

The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 cemeteries and 31 federal memorials, monuments and commemorative plaques in 17 countries throughout the world, including the United States. 

Since March 4, 1923, the 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.