American Battle Monuments Commission

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), established by Congress in 1923, is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. Eleven commissioners appointed by the president form the policy-making body of the organization, whose commemorative mission includes designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining permanent American cemeteries in foreign countries; establishing and maintaining U.S. military memorials, monuments, and markers overseas where American armed forces have served since April 6, 1917, and within the United States when directed by public law; and controlling the design and construction of permanent U.S. military monuments [Page 102]and markers by other U.S. citizens and organizations, both public and private, and encouraging their maintenance. This entry discusses the history and activities of the ABMC.