Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial , The American Battle Monuments Commission, Normandy American Cemetery is situated on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. 9,387 war dead of the United States of America from World War II rest here. Most died in the landing operations and in the establishment of the Normandy beachhead. Additionally, the names of 1,557 Americans whose remains were never recovered or not identified are inscribed on the walls of the semicircular Garden of the Missing behind the memorial. A bronze rosette marks the names of those who were subsequently found. 307 headstones mark the graves of the "unknowns"., The construction and care of this 172.5-acre cemetery and memorial are the responsibility of the American Battle Monuments Commission, an agency of the United States government. Use of the land was granted, in perpetuity, by the people of France. , After World War I, the American Battle Monuments Commission erected a memorial chapel in each of the eight American military cemeteries in Europe, as well as eleven battlefield monuments. , At the end of World War II, fourteen additional military cemeteries were established overseas. Each contains a memorial with a record in permanent graphic form of the achievements of the U.S Armed Forces in that region. The Pointe du Hoc monument and battlefield is located 10 miles (15 km) to the west, and the Utah Beach monument is located 30 miles (45 km) to the northwest. , The graves in these World War I and World War II cemeteries number approximately 39 percent of those originally buried. The remains of the other 61 percent were returned home at the request of the next of kin. A white marble headstone marks each grave, a Star of David for those of the Jewish faith, and a Latin cross for all others. At each of the memorials are inscribed the names of the missing who gave their lives in that region. , The American Battle Monuments Commission also operates two cemeteries in Latin America, the final resting place of Americans killed in the War of 1847 and of those who contributed to the construction and operation of the Panama Canal. , An American Superintendent manages each cemetery. English-speaking personnel are available during opening hours to offer information and assistance. This cemetery is open every day of the year. , List of World War I and II United States of America cemeteries not transcribed,