Memorial Day 2025 Around the World

Early Returns from American Overseas (ABMC) 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 2025 ~ our 23rd year!

Henri-Chapelle American

The Henri-Chapelle American Wreath & Banner for 2025. Bernard Achten, Missy and her mother Judi Kramer, and Régine Achten. Régine and Bernard were founders of the now 16-cemetery, AWON Wreath and Banner program in 2003.

In the rain ~ 2025 Presenters of the AWON Wreath & Banners at Henri-Chapelle ~ were Board Member Judi Kramer and her daughter, Melissa!

Thanks to Rik Peirson for Coordinating.

Normandy American

Old friend of AWON Jean-Marc Leseuer presented the Normandy Wreath & Banner with Pete. C. Jaskowski, son of AWON Member Charlene Jaskowski, who passed from us in December.

Thanks to Rondy Elliott for Coordinating!

Epinal American

The Epinal American Wreath and Banners 2025 ~ were presented by Jocelyne Papelard.

With many thanks for Coordination and Photography to Jocelyne Papelard, who in addition to Coordinating Epinal has been instrumental in ordering Wreaths for seven additional cemeteries. Thanks, Jocelyne for all your extra work!

Luxembourg American

The gorgeous crown presented at Luxembourg American on Memorial Day 2025.

Thanks to Sandy MacDuffee for Coordinating.

Cambridge American

The beautiful Cambridge Wreath ~ produced by Dawn Hookway at the Manor Florist.

Thanks to Rik Peirson for temporary Coordinating.

Netherlands American

AWONer Bill Sarver presented the AWON Wreath ~ pictured here with past AWON President, Gloria Layne.

Bill Sarver about to meet the King of the Netherlands ~ Willem Alexander.

Thanks to Bill for presenting, to old AWON friend, Joost Claassens for the photography of both of the photos above, and to Gloria Layne for Coordinating.

Ardennes American

The Ardennes Wreath for Memorial Day 2025.

With thanks to Régine Achten for Coordinating ~ well above and beyond!

Manila American

Many thanks, as always, to the Lim family ~ who presented the AWON 2025 Wreath.

Thanks to Ruthie Joyce for Coordinating.

Florence American

The gorgeous Florence American Wreath & Banner for 2025 ~ photo submitted by Eryth Zecher!

Thanks to Rik Peirson for temporary Coordination.

Punchbowl ~ Cemetery of the Pacific

The Punchbowl Wreath and Banner 2025 were presented by Vanita Rea Smith ~ and her great nephew, Solomon Alexander.

The AWON Wreath and Banners ~ with Solomon’s Mother, Jayme Alexander (Vanita’s Niece).

Watch for other early returns for Memorial Day 2025 ~ which we’ll post 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.