Honoring the fallen: ABMC’s role in Memorial Day ceremonies

The American Battle Monuments Commission plays an important role in commemorating Memorial Day through ceremonies at its 26 cemeteries worldwide May 22-26, 2025.  

These cemeteries host public wreath-laying ceremonies to honor the fallen, accompanied by speeches, and honor elements such as minute of silence or the playing of taps. The ceremonies are traditionally supported by U.S. officials, host nation representatives, local officials, and the visiting public as well as veterans and family members of fallen U.S. service members.  

ABMC’s efforts help bring attention to the sacrifices made by U.S. service members in conflicts, ensuring their memory lives on across the globe. 

Full program available here: Honoring the Fallen – Memorial Day 2025 at ABMC Sites – American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) 

The origins of Memorial Day 

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, has its origins in the 1860s, shortly after the end of the U.S. Civil War. Initially called Decoration Day, the holiday was created to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the war. Over time, the observance expanded to recognize all U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, and since then, Memorial Day has been a solemn occasion to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and died for the U.S. 

Through these ceremonies, Memorial Day remains an essential occasion for Americans to come together, pay tribute, and remember the fallen heroes who helped shape the nation. As Gen. John J. Pershing once said, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.” This quote embodies the spirit of Memorial Day—an enduring reminder that the courage and sacrifices of the fallen will never be forgotten, echoing the mission of ABMC that honors the service, sacrifice and memory of U.S. military personnel who died in service to the nation.