D-Day 75th Anniversary

Matz Helps Plan Event Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day

By ABMC Public Affairs

In June, the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) hosted the largest commemorative event in its 96-year history, as 14,000 guests gathered at Normandy American Cemetery (NOAC) to remember the history defining day of June 6, 1944. Two presidents, 17 United States senators, 63 members of the House of Representatives, numerous cabinet officials and ambassadors, 14 four-star flag officers, together with European political and diplomatic leaders and 900 credentialed media were present. Impressive as that list is, they were not the focus of attention. Instead, the applause and visible emotion of those in attendance honored the more than 170 World War II veterans, 57 of which came across the beaches or parachuted in on D-Day; the 168 next of kin of those who fell during the Normandy campaign; and the thousands who rest peacefully within NOAC’s hallowed ground, or in graves unknown. It was a once in a lifetime moment of reflection, reverence and remembrance.

The next day ABMC’s Board of Commissioners rededicated the Normandy Visitor Center. Its newly installed update of exhibits and videos is another shining example of an interdisciplinary team joining forces to create an exceptional new visitor experience.

The commemoration at Normandy was preceded by the 75th Anniversary of the Anzio landings at Sicily-Rome cemetery in January, followed by the 75th Anniversary events of the Southern landings at Rhone American Cemetery in August and the Battle of the Bulge in December. October will see the dedication of a new visitor center at Manila American Cemetery, and November brings the dedication of the visitor center at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery.

At ABMC, We Remember. While these events capture public attention, every day at 26 cemeteries around the world, horticultural, architectural, academic, and interpretive work is done to ensure America’s fallen are not forgotten. Their stories are told. Their names spoken. Their families welcomed and honored. The future generations that benefited from their resolve and sacrifice are engaged and made aware.

Maj. Gen. William M. Matz, USA (Ret.) (Gettysburg 1961), Secretary of the ABMC, spoke at the event commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He also played a key role in planning the event.

I am humbled by the dedicated service our staff provides in executing our noble and sacred mission. I am honored to serve alongside them, and proud to be the Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

- Maj. Gen. William M. Matz, USA (Ret.) (Gettysburg 1961)