The sacrifice made by the American people to defeat tyranny, liberate conquered nations, defend representative governments, and end human slavery is unprecedented in world history. In World War II alone, the United States fought to liberate dozens of nations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) manages 26 U.S. military cemeteries and 31 memorials in 17 different countries to honor the 224,000 U.S. service members killed or missing in action overseas. Countries such as France, Algeria, Libya, Greece, Norway, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam were all beneficiaries of American efforts in WW2.
The ABMC memorials can be found on distant Pacific islands and as far away as New Zealand, symbolizing the staggering cost paid by the United States in the fight for freedom and democracy around the world. The point of these sacrifices, according to ABMC secretary Charles K. Djou, is to send young Americans to fight for these ideals and only ask for a few small plots of land in exchange to bury their dead heroes. This Memorial Day weekend, as we remember and honor these sacrifices, it is important to recognize the efforts made in other nations that may surprise many Americans.
The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial honors the 5,070 GIs buried across its 17 acres, including the legendary Gen. George S. Patton. In Mexico City National Cemetery, which commemorates the Mexican-American War of the 1840s, the remains of 813 Americans are interred, including a monument to 750 unidentified soldiers known only to God. The Panama-based Corozal American Cemetery and Memorial, at 16 acres, pays tribute to over 5,500 Americans who served in conflicts over the years, including those who contributed to the construction of the Panama Canal.
The Manila American Cemetery, the largest operated by the ABMC, houses the remains of 16,859 Americans on a plateau overlooking the Manila skyline, with a memorial to the 36,286 missing in action since World War II. In Tunisia, the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942. This site commemorates 2,841 U.S. war dead and lists the names of 3,724 missing in action. These cemeteries serve to remind us of the tremendous human cost of the United States’ efforts to defeat tyranny and spread liberty around the world.
As we reflect on Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by American service members abroad, it is important to remember the true cost of war and the dedication of those who fought to defend freedom and democracy. The ABMC cemeteries and memorials stand as solemn reminders of the sacrifices made by U.S. armed forces to protect the values and principles that are fundamental to American society. These sites are a testament to the courage and bravery of those who gave their lives in the pursuit of liberty and justice for all, both at home and abroad. Through honoring the memory of these fallen heroes, we ensure that their sacrifices will never be forgotten and that their legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future generations.
