The American Battle Monuments Commission hosted Veterans Day ceremonies at 20 of its sites. ABMC Chairman, retired U.S. Army Gen. Michael X. Garrett, Commissioner Christopher LaCivita and Commissioner Brooks D. Tucker attended ceremonies Nov. 11 at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Belleau Wood. Commissioner John Freeman attended a public event at East Coast Memorial and a wreath was laid on behalf of ABMC at  West Coast Memorial, to commemorate Veterans Day. 

At the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery’s ceremony, ABMC Acting Secretary Robert Dalessandro delivered a speech. 

“It is our job to make sure that the sacrifice of those buried in these cemeteries – each person, a life given up, forever young – will never be forgotten,” said Dalessandro. 

Freeman represented ABMC at the East Coast Memorial on Nov. 11, where he laid a wreath on behalf of the agency. This memorial commemorates the soldiers, sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, merchant mariners and airmen who died in the service of the U.S. in the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.  

“It is a profound honor to take part in this year’s Veterans Day observance in New York City, the largest Veterans Day parade in our nation,” said Freeman. “This day stands as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and to all veterans who have served with unwavering honor, courage, and dignity.” 

A wreath was laid on behalf of ABMC at the West Coast Memorial on Nov. 11, where she also laid a wreath on behalf of the agency. This memorial, similar to the East Coast site, pays tribute to those who perished in the American coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean during World War II.  

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.”