The American Battle Monuments Commission participated in the 10th edition of Printemps des Cimetières May 8-10 welcoming visitors at three American military cemeteries in France: Meuse‑Argonne American Cemetery, Normandy American Cemetery, and St. Mihiel American Cemetery. 

Throughout this event, ABMC sites opened their gates to the public for guided tours, interpretive trails, and workshops that explored history, remembrance, and interpretation. Across the three cemeteries, ABMC staff engaged with more than 400 visitors. 

This year’s theme was a retrospective of previous themes: The history and stories of our cemeteries; memory of wars in cemeteries; cemeteries and symbols; women in cemeteries; and fauna, flora, and biodiversity. 

By taking part in Printemps des Cimetières, ABMC offered audiences opportunities to rediscover American military cemeteries through thematic perspectives while honoring the service and sacrifice of the American men and women commemorated there. 

Meuse‑Argonne American Cemetery 

At Meuse‑Argonne American Cemetery, on May 9-10, more than 20 visitors joined daily interpretive tours titled “Symbols of MAAC: Witnesses of courage, brotherhood and sacrifice.” Led by ABMC staff, the one‑hour tours focused on engraved symbols throughout the cemetery and their meaning, offering visitors a deeper understanding of commemoration through design and symbolism. 

“Through its landscape, symbols, and stories of bravery, Meuse‑Argonne American Cemetery invites visitors to reflect on sacrifice and shared memory,” said Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery Superintendent Danielle Millien. “These guided tours help connect past acts of heroism to a universal message of peace and remembrance.” 

Normandy American Cemetery 

At Normandy American Cemetery, on May 8-10, more than 400 visitors participated in a series of interpretive activities offered throughout the event. A discovery trail titled “Female figures at NOAC: Values etched in stone” invited audiences to explore allegorical female figures across the cemetery and the values they represent. 

The “Women through words” tours, offered in the morning and afternoon, guided participants through selected texts and inscriptions highlighting the role of women, while the “History & Stories of NOAC” workshop, developed in collaboration with the cemetery’s Horticulture Team, examined how the site has evolved over time. 

“Thanks to mostly good Norman weather, the public was able to come to the Normandy American cemetery as part of Printemps des Cimetières and hear a little bit about the behind-the-scenes landscaping, architecture, and individual stories of this well-known location,” said Normandy American Cemetery Superintendent, Robert Adams. 

St. Mihiel American Cemetery 

At St. Mihiel American Cemetery, on May 9, a guided tour titled “1921, Choosing the Unknown American Soldier” provided approximately 20 participants with insight into the selection of the American World War I Unknown and the unknowns buried at the cemetery. Visitors also met members of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who shared their mission and role in honoring the Unknowns. 

“Honoring the Unknown Soldier reminds us that behind every name—and every unknown—stands a story of sacrifice,” said St. Mihiel American Cemetery Superintendent, Tom Cavaness. “Sharing that legacy here ensures their service continues to be remembered across generations.” 

ABMC’s participation in Printemps des Cimetières 2026 reflects the agency’s continued commitment to remembrance, education, and public engagement at its American military cemeteries. By welcoming diverse audiences during this nationwide event, ABMC ensures that the history, meaning, and stories preserved at its sites remain accessible to current and future generations. 

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.”