ABMC commemorates Memorial Day

The American Battle Monuments Commission commemorates Memorial Day to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

The meaning and history of Memorial Day

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day traces its roots to the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities placed flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers in springtime tributes known as “Decoration Days.” After World War I, these observances expanded to honor American service members who died in all wars. The U.S. Congress formally established Memorial Day as a national holiday in 1971.

This enduring spirit of remembrance lies at the heart of ABMC’s mission. ABMC honors more than 200,000 fallen service members at its overseas cemeteries and memorials — from the fields of Normandy to the shores of the Pacific — ensuring that their courage and sacrifice are never lost to history. Read more about their stories of service and sacrifice.

2026 Memorial Day events at ABMC

Each Memorial Day, ABMC hosts commemorative ceremonies at sites around the world, reinforcing the importance of honoring those who died in service. Memorial Day ceremonies at ABMC cemeteries will be held Wednesday, May 20 through Monday, May 25, 2026. All ceremonies are free to attend and open to the public. View events by location.

Observances include:

• Wreath-laying ceremonies
• Military honors
• Moments of remembrance and reflection
• Engagement with veterans, families, and communities

Memorial Day ceremonies provide a way for visitors to pay tribute to the fallen. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Plan your visit

Please remember that ABMC cemeteries are sacred burial grounds, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We ask that you conduct yourself with the utmost respect and solemnity during your visit. Kindly refrain from any behavior that might disturb the peace and dignity of this hallowed place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Ceremonies are listed in the local time and are expected to last about one hour. Normal cemetery operating hours will be affected by Memorial Day ceremonies. Visit Operational Status of Cemeteries for site specific updates.

Explore and remember

• Attend Memorial Day ceremonies
• Learn about individual service members
• Discover historic battles and campaigns
• Access educational materials and resources

Coordinating your visit as a family member

If you are a family member of someone who is honored at the cemetery and you are planning to attend the ceremony, please coordinate with our cemetery staff beforehand. Contact information can be found on each cemetery page.

Preserving the legacy of our heroes: Our mission of remembrance

The American Battle Monuments Commission, the preeminent guardian of America’s commemorative military cemeteries and memorials worldwide, honors the achievements of the U.S. armed forces by preserving their legacy of service and by seeking new and innovative ways of reflecting the evolving nature of sacrifice. These observances are central to ABMC’s mission to honor the service of the U.S. armed forces.

ABMC values

• Honor: We memorialize and commemorate the service of America’s armed forces.
• Respect: We extol the unique value and individual sacrifice of each service member.
• Excellence: We dedicate ourselves to being the preeminent standard of excellence for maintaining America’s military cemeteries and memorials.
• Stewardship: We are responsible guardians of the sacred mission entrusted to our care.
• Commitment: We are dedicated to professional service to our nation, our allies and partners, our communities, and our workforce.

Location	Country	Date
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 9:45 a.m.
Ardennes American Cemetery	Belgium	Saturday May 23, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Brittany American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Brookwood American Cemetery	United Kingdom	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Cambridge American Cemetery	United Kingdom	Monday May 25, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Clark Veterans Cemetery	Philippines	Monday May 25, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Corozal American Cemetery	Panama	Monday May 25, 2026 at 9 a.m.
Epinal American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Flanders Field American Cemetery	Belgium	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Florence American Cemetery	Italy	Monday May 25, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery	Belgium	Saturday May 23, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Lorraine American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Luxembourg American Cemetery	Luxembourg	Saturday May 23, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Manila American Cemetery	Philippines	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Mexico City National Cemetery	Mexico	Wednesday May 20, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Netherlands American Cemetery	The Netherlands	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Normandy American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
North Africa American Cemetery	Tunisia	Monday May 25, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Oise-Aisne American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Rhone American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery	Italy	Monday May 25, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Somme American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
St. Mihiel American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Suresnes American Cemetery	France	Sunday May 24, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.