American Battle Monuments Commission

American Battle Monuments Commission is an independent agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for commemorating the service, achievements, and sacrifices of United States Armed Forces members. The commission was established by Congress on March 4, 1923, with the aim of designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining permanent American cemeteries in foreign countries, as well as memorials, monuments, and markers in the United States, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines, and other countries where American Expeditionary Forces have served. The commission's work is closely tied to that of the National Park Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Cemetery Administration. The commission also collaborates with foreign governments, such as the Government of France, the Government of the United Kingdom, and the Government of Canada, to ensure the proper maintenance and respect of American war graves.

● History

The history of the commission dates back to World War I, when the United States entered the conflict and suffered significant losses, including the deaths of over 115,000 United States Army soldiers, United States Navy sailors, and United States Marine Corps marines. The commission was established to honor the memory of these fallen service members, as well as those who died in subsequent conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The commission's early work was influenced by the experiences of General John J. Pershing, who played a key role in the establishment of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. The commission has also been shaped by the contributions of notable figures, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Omar Bradley, who served as Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. The commission's work has been recognized through various awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded to the commission's chairman, General Mark W. Clark, in 1962.

● Organization

The commission is headed by a chairman, who is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. The chairman is responsible for overseeing the commission's operations, which include the design, construction, and maintenance of American cemeteries and memorials, as well as the development of educational programs and services. The commission is organized into several departments, including the Office of the Chairman, the Office of the Secretary, and the Office of Finance and Administration. The commission also has a number of advisory committees, including the Commission on Fine Arts, which provides guidance on the design and construction of memorials and monuments. The commission works closely with other government agencies, such as the National Archives and Records Administration, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution, to ensure the preservation and promotion of American history and culture.

● Cemeteries_and_Memorials

The commission is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 26 American cemeteries in 16 countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, and the Philippines. These cemeteries contain the graves of over 125,000 United States Armed Forces members who died during World War I and World War II. The commission also maintains 27 memorials, monuments, and markers in the United States and abroad, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy, France. The commission's cemeteries and memorials are designed to honor the memory of American service members who have died in combat, and to provide a sense of closure and comfort to their families and loved ones. The commission has worked with notable architects, such as Eero Saarinen and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, to design and construct its cemeteries and memorials.

● Notable_Commissioners

The commission has had a number of notable commissioners throughout its history, including General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as the commission's chairman from 1949 to 1952. Other notable commissioners include General Omar Bradley, who served as the commission's chairman from 1952 to 1958, and General Matthew B. Ridgway, who served as the commission's chairman from 1958 to 1962. The commission has also been led by notable civilians, such as John J. McCloy, who served as the commission's chairman from 1963 to 1975, and William T. Coleman Jr., who served as the commission's chairman from 1975 to 1981. The commission's current chairman is Maj. Gen. William M. Matz Jr., who has served in this position since 2010. The commission has also been advised by notable historians, such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, who have provided guidance on the commission's educational programs and services.

● Operations_and_Maintenance

The commission's operations and maintenance activities are focused on ensuring the dignity and respect of American war graves and memorials. The commission employs a team of skilled professionals, including horticulturists, architects, and historians, to maintain its cemeteries and memorials. The commission also works with local communities and foreign governments to ensure the proper maintenance and respect of American war graves and memorials. The commission's operations are supported by a budget of over $70 million, which is provided by the United States Congress. The commission has also received support from private organizations, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which have provided funding and resources for the commission's educational programs and services.

● Programs_and_Services

The commission offers a range of programs and services to honor the memory of American service members and to promote American history and culture. The commission's educational programs include the ABMC Education Program, which provides educational resources and materials to schools and educators. The commission also offers a range of services to families and loved ones of American service members, including the ABMC Gravesite Locator, which allows users to search for the graves of American service members who are buried in commission cemeteries. The commission has also partnered with other government agencies, such as the National Park Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to provide educational programs and services to veterans and their families. The commission's programs and services have been recognized through various awards, including the National Medal of Arts, which was awarded to the commission in 2011. Category:United States government agencies