Memorial Day that will occur on May 31 this year is honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Between the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and 2020 in the different wars fought by the US, the U.S. military service during wartime has been 40 million+. The battle deaths 660,000+ during the same period while all other deaths in service, both in theater and non-theater is over 600,000, as well. In the last 250 years well over 1,3 million Americans lost their lives in the many battles in the US and in foreign soil.
The ABMC (American Battle Monuments Commission) administers, operates and maintains 26 permanent American military cemeteries and 32 federal memorials, monuments and markers, which are located in over a dozen foreign countries. These cemeteries and memorials, most of which commemorate the service and sacrifice of Americans who served in World War I and World War II, are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained shrines in the world. On our tours we visit several of these WWI and WWII cemeteries and remember.
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