More than 1,800 visitors at American Battle Monuments Commission sites for European Heritage Days 2026

From Sept. 12-27, nine American Battle Monuments Commission sites in Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands participated in European Heritage Days, welcoming visitors through exhibitions, guided tours, presentations, and interpretive programs focused on remembrance, preservation, and the stories of the American service members commemorated at American Battle Monuments Commission sites. This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” encouraged visitors to explore how heritage is preserved and transmitted to future generations.

Visitors discovered the individuals behind the names engraved on headstones and memorial walls, learned about the conservation and stewardship efforts required to maintain ABMC sites, and explored the enduring significance of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members overseas. The events also provided opportunities for local communities to engage with the history preserved at American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries and memorials.

“European Heritage Days allowed visitors to engage with these sites in a meaningful and personal way,” said Karen Wurzburger, chief of Visitor Services and Interpretation at the American Battle Monuments Commission. “Whether through a photograph, a guided tour, or the story of a service member, visitors discovered that remembrance is not only about preserving places—it is about preserving the lives, sacrifices, and legacies of the men and women commemorated at our sites.”

Aisne-Marne American Cemetery

Aisne-Marne American Cemetery invited visitors to discover the stories of individual service members through the program: A Face, A Story, A Memory Preserved. By connecting photographs with gravesites and personal histories, visitors gained a deeper understanding of the lives behind the names commemorated at the cemetery. The site welcomed more than 130 visitors during the event.

The table set up by Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to welcome visitors during European Heritage days 2026.

Ardennes American Cemetery

At Ardennes American Cemetery, some visitors participated in a guided program examining the importance of identifying unknown service members and preserving their memory. The event was presented in French and translated into Belgian French Sign Language, expanding accessibility to a wider audience.

Brookwood American Cemetery

At Brookwood American Cemetery, more than 250 visitors participated in “Everyday Histories: Exploring the Daily Lives of People Through the Ages,” a joint open day event with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Through guided tours, roving interpretation, archival displays, and children’s activities, visitors discovered the stories of service members commemorated at the cemetery and learned about their lives before military service. By highlighting the experiences of farmers, poets, chemists, and others, the event offered a personal perspective on how everyday lives shaped wartime service and sacrifice.

Visitors gathering around the guide at Brookwood American cemetery to get a tour during European heritage Days 2026.

Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery

Through the Faces of Lafayette Escadrille exhibition, visitors discovered historic portraits of the aviators commemorated within the memorial crypt. The exhibition offered a personal perspective on the volunteers who served before the United States entered World War I.

Lorraine American Cemetery

Lorraine American Cemetery hosted guided tours exploring the duty of remembrance and the responsibility of transmitting the stories of the American service members commemorated there. Approximately 50 visitors learned how the cemetery continues to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

Visitors gathering around the guide at Lorraine American Cemetery during European Heritage Days 2026 with the plots and some trees in the backrgound.

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery offered two complementary programs throughout the weekend. Presentations highlighted the experiences of service members who fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, while additional tours explored the preservation of the cemetery’s historic landscape, architecture, and biodiversity. More than 100 visitors visited the site during European Heritage Days.

Visitors around near a tree for a visit at Meuse-Argonne American cemetery for European Heritage Days 2026.

Netherlands American Cemetery

Guided tours at Netherlands American Cemetery focused on the stewardship and care required to preserve American military heritage in the Netherlands. Approximately 40 visitors learned about the ongoing efforts that ensure future generations continue to understand the sacrifices commemorated at the site.

Visitors gathering around a gardener at Netherlands American Cemetery for European Heritage days with the plots in the background and some trees.

Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

Through exhibits and discussions with staff members approximately 250 visitors discovered how remembrance is preserved through ceremonies, educational programs, and the daily operations required to maintain the cemetery as a place of reflection and learning.

Two visitors looking at some panels at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery for European Heritage Days 2026.

Suresnes American Cemetery

The Faces of Suresnes exhibition connected approximately 1,000 visitors with the stories of those commemorated at the cemetery through photographs displayed alongside selected graves and names on the Wall of the Missing. By highlighting the individuals behind the inscriptions, the exhibition encouraged visitors to engage with the human dimension of remembrance.

In total, American Battle Monuments Commission’s participating sites welcomed more than 1,800 visitors during European Heritage Days 2026. Through tours, exhibitions, and educational programs, visitors explored the stories of American service members while gaining a deeper appreciation for the ongoing work required to preserve these sites of remembrance. The event reinforced the Commission’s mission to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifice of those commemorated at its cemeteries and memorials while ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The American Battle Monuments Commission’s mission is to honor the service of the U.S. armed forces by creating and maintaining memorial sites, offering commemorative services, and facilitating the education of their legacy to future generations. It was founded in 1923 following World War I, and its 26 cemeteries and 31 monuments honor the service men and women who fought and perished during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as some who fought during the Mexican American War.

The American Battle Monuments Commission sites are a constant reminder of Gen. John J. Pershing’s promise that, “time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”