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What greater gift can a person give than to lay down their life for their country. Around
the world, in ten different countries 125,000 Americans rest in fields they died to liberate.
Honoring America's fallen overseas and preserving these hallowed grounds for future generations
is the purpose of the American Battle Monuments Commission. ABMC maintains 24 permanent overseas
American military cemeteries and 25 federal memorials and monuments. The cemeteries are
located in countries throughout Europe, in North Africa, in Latin America, and the Philippines.
Several are near popular travel destinations such as Paris, London, Rome and Florence.
These cemeteries are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained shrines of their
nature in the world. I was just surprised by the sheer number of
graves. When you come here, it makes you very proud as an American.
Each is a masterpiece of landscape design, ennobled with great architecture, art and
sculpture. Sacred and serene they were created to honor America's fallen heroes. They were
also intended for the living. Millions of Americans and foreign citizens come to visit
ABMC cemeteries and memorials each year. It's a piece of America that's located in
France or Belgium or Luxembourg. I just feel a connection with home by being here.
They come to experience the history. To pay homage to the honored war dead. To teach the
children. Or to visit a lost family member or friend.
We're greatly moved by the enormous numbers of crosses and the wonderful way it is kept.
Not only is one awed by history and the contributions of Americans to liberty of the world. One
is also swept into a special place with breathtaking gardens and magnificent landscapes.
I was impressed how well it's kept. I was very moved as you can tell.
Some of these places are well known like the American military cemetery at Normandy, but
many more are undiscovered jewels of American history. Each ABMC cemetery is unique and
has its own story of devotion to tell. I made it a point to come here and visit my
brother's grave. I definitely feel honored to be here.
Walking these hallowed ground enriches any travel experience. It is the visitors who
give the cemeteries life and validate the tremendous sacrifice they represent.
It's absolutely wonderful. It helps history come alive to be here. I just hope that more
people visit these U.S. military cemeteries overseas and they can experience that for
themselves. ABMC invites all to experience these commemorative
shrines. The commission can provide the best route and modes of travel. Each cemetery also
has a visitor center with helpful and knowledgeable staff. Plan to visit one of these extraordinary
places on your next journey. Those who walk these fields of honor depart with a heightened
sense of respect and thanks for the thousands of Americans who gave their lives so that
the world might live in peace and freedom. For more information visit the ABMC website
at www.abmc.gov .