Memorial Day 2023 Around the World

Early Returns from American Overseas Cemeteries

Here are the first returns from the first cemeteries to send them ~ in the order received. These were sent by cemetery Superintendents and Associates, by Florists, by Presenters, and by loyal AWON Friends ~ who knew we’d be waiting for an early look at how our fathers are being honored.

Our Fathers and Loved ones were well remembered over Memorial Day Weekend 2023 ~ our 21st year!

Ardennes American

Ardennes American 2023 ~ thanks to AWON Coordinators Bernard and Régine Achten ~ the originators of the AWON Wreath & Banner program in 2003.

Special thanks to Cemetery Associate Vincent Joris for submitting the FIRST examples of Memorial Day services, 2023.

Ardennes Banner One.

Ardennes Banner Two.

Henri-Chapelle American

Henri-Chapelle American Wreath and Banners ~ 2023.

Thanks to Rik Peirson ~ who has Coordinated Henri-Chapelle since 2003.

The VIPs of the AWON Wreath and Banner program ~ its originators ~ Bernard and Régine Achten. Their daughter Marie is in front.

Henri-Chapelle Banner One.

Henri-Chapelle Banner Two.

Epinal American

Epinal American Wreath and Banners 2023.

With many thanks for Coordination and Photography to Jocelyn Papelard.

Normandy American

Normandy American 2023 ~ with thanks to Rondy Elliott, who has Coordinated Normandy since 2019.

Jean-Marc Leseuer (right) has been a loyal friend of AWON for many years ~ and has submitted the photos here.

His friend, Jean-Marc Pdt holds a wreath honoring US Memory Grand Quest.

Netherlands American ~ Margraten

Netherlands American ~ 2023 ~ with thanks to AWON V.P. Gloria Layne, who has Coordinated Margraten since 2019.

Special thanks to Joost Claassens for his photography, caring, and AWON friendship over many years.

The Margraten Wreath & Banners remembered 92 men in 2023.

Three generations of Mulders were on hand for the presentation, along with Joost ~ to remember 2LT John Taylor Mulder.

North Africa American ~ Carthage

North African American 2023 ~ with thanks to Judge Bonnie Hellums ~ who has Coordinated Carthage since 2019.

Thanks also to Cemetery Associate Atef Gadrib ~ who has been instrumental in making this remembrance happen over several years.

The North Africa American Wreath & Banners remembered 24 men in 2023.

Luxembourg American ~ Carthage

Luxembourg American 2023 ~ with thanks to Sandy MacDuffee, who has Coordinated Lux since 2020.

For some reason ~ only the second of TWO banners made it to the services at Lux . . . it happens.

To fill in the blank ~ here’s a look at both Banners:

The Luxembourg Wreath and Banners remembered 44 AWON fathers for Memorial Day 2023.

Cambridge American

Cambridge American 2023 ~ with a combination of thanks ~ to Jeanne Rhinehart & Rik Peirson for Coordinating ~

~ and to Cambridge florist Dawn Hookway for the talent it took to produce this gorgeous Wreath, remembering 38 of our fathers.

Sicily-Rome American

Sicily-Rome American 2023 ~ with thanks to AWON Treasurer Bob Meek ~ who has Coordinated Sicily-Rome since the beginning.

A distinction shared by only two other Coordinators.

On Memorial Day, it’s also worth mentioning that Bob Meek is one of a very few AWONers who followed his father into military service.

Cemetery of the Pacific

Cemetery of the Pacific 2023 ~ Vanita Rae Smith and Solomon presented the Memorial Day wreath.

Thanks to Susan Chadd ~ who has Coordinated Cemetery of the Pacific (and Punchbowl) since 2005.

The Wreath and Banners at Cemetery of the Pacific remembers 68 men.

Florence American

Florence American 2023 ~ with thanks to First Year Coordinator Mary Alice Renner for the arrangements.

The Florence Banners were held by customs for some unknown reason; which is why we’re including the Florence Banner below.

The Florence Wreath and Banner remembered 28 AWON fathers for Memorial Day 2023.

Manila American

Manila American 2023 ~ with thanks to Ruthie Joyce, who has Coordinated Manila since 2020.

With thanks to Vincent Lim IV for presenting the AWON Wreath and Banners, as he so often does.

Suresnes American

Suresnes American ~ 2023 ~ with thanks to the Coordinators’ Collective for Coordinating Suresnes ~

as we remember 24 unidentified men lost in WWII ~ and known but to God.

~ Memorial Day Bonus ~

Il Silenzio (the Silence). Some say this is the Italian version of Taps ~ performed in Maastricht by André Rieu & Melissa Venema.

Alerted to us as a Memorial Day suggestion from Walt Linne ~ AWON President.

Watch for other early returns for Memorial Day 2023 as they come in.

 Our reverence for the ABMC starts with their motto – a Pershing quote: “Time will never dim the glory of their deeds.”

The ABMC beautifully maintains – in pristine order – 26 WWI and WWII American Cemeteries and Memorials around the world. Because these two wars were (and will always be) the only wars fought by the United States in which too many were killed to send them all home for burial, the ABMC – as part of the Executive Branch of our Government was formed in 1923 to watch over the graves and plaques that mark or remember nearly 200,000 Americans, nearly 700 of whom are the Fathers or Loved ones of Members of AWON.

ABMC ~ We thank you . . . and we always will.