Between May 22-26, 2025, American Battle Monuments Commission commemorated Memorial Day with ceremonies at its 26 cemeteries across the globe, including Brookwood American Cemetery,   Netherlands American Cemetery and Cambridge American Cemetery honoring U.S. military personnel who sacrificed their lives defending freedom. 

Brookwood American Cemetery ceremony – May 25, 2025

On May 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. BST, a solemn Memorial Day ceremony was held at this World War I cemetery that contains the graves of approximately 500 U.S. military personnel, with another 600 names inscribed on its walls of the missing in the chapel.  

Brookwood American Cemetery Superintendent Richard Arseneault was the master of ceremonies. U.S. and local dignitaries attended the ceremony as well as military representatives and families of two World War I fallen service members. Remarks were delivered by Michael More-Molyneux, Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Troy Havener and U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Warren A. Stephens.  

After a wreath-laying ceremony, participants paused for a moment of silence, followed by the playing of taps and a benediction. The service honored those who gave their lives during World War I and recognized their enduring legacy. 

“As we gather here, surrounded by the graves of those who came before us, we are reminded of the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States of America,” said Arseneault. “Our shared history is marked by moments of profound courage and unwavering solidarity. Together, we fought side by side in the trenches, forging a partnership that has withstood the test of time.” 

Netherlands American Cemetery ceremony – May 25, 2025

The Memorial Day ceremony took place May 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. CET. Netherlands American Cemetery is the only cemetery in the Netherlands dedicated to honoring fallen Americans who served during World War II. More than 8,200 service members are commemorated there. More than 1,700 additional names are memorialized on its walls of the missing.  

King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, as well as Chief of Mission to the Netherlands for the U.S. Marcus Micheli, and ABMC’s Executive Director for Operations Tom Spoehr, along with other U.S., Dutch, international and local representatives attended the ceremony as well as veterans and family members of the fallen.  

“It is for the immense sacrifices made by our service members that the American Battle Monuments Commission carries out its mission today,” Spoehr said. “We meticulously care for 26 cemeteries across 10 countries to honor these heroes.”   

Approximately 100 family members of those buried at the cemetery were at the ceremony along with the Dutch families who have adopted their service members’ graves. Among those was Brig. Gen. Andrew Saslav who spoke on behalf of the U.S. armed forces. Saslav and his family were the first to visit his relative’s grave since he was buried at Netherlands American Cemetery after WWII. They also met the family who has been visiting the grave for at least two generations.  

After a wreath laying, the playing of taps and flyovers, the three U.S. and one Dutch WWII veterans in attendance left the ceremony to a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 3,000. As they left, the veterans met with His Majesty as well as other members of the official party. 

Cambridge American Cemetery ceremony – May 26, 2025

The Memorial Day ceremony took place May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. BST. Located on the outskirts of Cambridge, this World War II cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 4,000 U.S. service members. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to those who served in the U.S. armed forces including the 8th Air Force, many of whom flew missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. This cemetery is often called the “aviator’s cemetery,” due to its association with the surrounding airfields, where many U.S. pilots trained and fought during the war. 

U.S. and U.K. dignitaries attended the ceremony as well as military representatives and families of the fallen. Remarks were delivered by ABMC Director of Cemetery Operations Dan Hicks, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Christopher Walkinshaw, U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James Warren A. Stephens, and Commander of the 100th Air Refueling Wing Col. Ryan Garlow.  

After a wreath-laying ceremony, participants paused for a moment of silence, followed by the playing of taps and a benediction. The ceremony ended with several flyovers by current and vintage military aircraft.  

“For over a century, the American Battle Monuments Commission has strived to fulfill our obligation to keep the memories of our fallen alive by sharing their personal stories with visitors to our cemeteries, hosting commemorative ceremonies such as this one, and welcoming family members to visit the final resting place of their loved ones.” said ABMC Director of Cemetery Operations Dan Hicks.

Commemorating the fallen at 26 American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries worldwide

All 26 American Battle Monuments Commission ceremonies were attended by members of the public and local and U.S. dignitaries. They came together to pay tribute to the U.S. fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice in various conflicts, mainly from World War I and World War II but also during the Korean and Vietnam wars or the Mexican American War.  

One attendee, Kelly Akin, serves as the senior vice commander for the Chester J. Carknard VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 1938 in New York. She is the grandniece of Sgt. Carknard, for whom the post is named, and was the first in her family to visit his grave at Cambridge American Cemetery. 

In hosting Memorial Day ceremonies, the American Battle Monuments Commission ensures that the legacy of U.S. military service members lives on to future generations, inspiring respect, remembrance, and a commitment to freedom. 

The American Battle Monuments Commission is dedicated to honoring the service of U.S. military personnel by creating and maintaining memorial sites around the world, offering commemorative services, and educating future generations about the sacrifices made by those who served. ABMC operates 26 cemeteries and 31 memorials across 17 countries, preserving the memory of the fallen and educating the public on the importance of their service.