“Lest We Forget”
that we live, work and travel in Europe today because THEY
made the ultimate sacrifice to reopen the way of freedom.
The American Overseas Memorial Day Association is dedicated
to remember and honor the memory of those who gave their
lives in World Wars I and II, and whose final resting places
are in American Military Cemeteries or in isolated graves
in local cemeteries in Europe.
The AOMDA was founded
in 1920 and incorporated in 1952 under the laws of
Washington, DC. Article 3(a) of the Certificate of Incorporation
gives the AOMDA purpose, which reads in part, “To
decorate on the National Memorial Day, and such other public
and patriotic holidays as may be appropriate, the graves,
tombs and monuments of all American Servicemen and women
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Auxiliary
Services buried overseas”.
In keeping with this Article, the AOMDA is
responsible for the annual placement of American (and often
local national) flags on all known graves, in Europe, of
American Servicepersons. Both the Paris Staff and the AOMDA
committee in Brussels, Belgium, work to accomplish the Association's
purpose.
- Placing of flags in American Military Cemeteries
is done through the cooperation of the American Battle
Monuments Commission.
- For the 183 isolated graves in 123 localities
in France, the AOMDA contacts local officials, Civic and
Veteran's organizations or individuals (sometimes next-of-kin)
to arrange for placing of the flags. Fresh flags are mailed
annually by the AOMDA to the person assuming responsibility
for decoration of each grave.
- For graves in Denmark (120), Norway (120)
and Sweden (12), the AOMDA sends flags to the American
Embassies. The Embassies decorate the graves in Denmark
and Norway, while the local American Legion Post places
the flags in Sweden.
- In Germany, local American Legion Posts
provide and place the flags.
- In addition, the AOMDA finances the purchase
of floral wreaths for the Memorial Day Ceremonies at World
War I and II Cemeteries in England, France, Italy, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands and Tunisia. The AOMDA committee in Brussels
furnishes wreaths for the Ceremonies in Belgium.
The AOMDA's other major
annual activity is the coordination of the actions
for Memorial Day Ceremonies at American Military Cemeteries
in France and Belgium, with active support from American
Embassies and the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Embassies, Consulates, American Legion Posts and local groups
organize other Memorial Day Ceremonies.
These Ceremonies include the participation
of American and National Military Units, American and National
Government Officials as well as Local Authorities. The Ceremonies
have become important annual events in the lives of many
communities and their residents. In effect, the Ceremonies
are, today, international testimonials of remembrance and
gratitude for the sacrifices made by Americans, on behalf
of Europeans, in two World Wars.
Funding for support
of the AOMDA Memorial Day activities is obtained
through annual membership dues, augmented by donations from
American Legion Headquarters, individuals, businesses, plus
civic and Veterans groups.
With the passing of time, expenses increase
while revenue decreases as people disappear or forget.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! NEW sources of funding must be found
if the AOMDA is to continue its efforts on behalf of those
who gave all that they had to give. Will you join us in
preserving the memory of those who gave all?
Contributions to the
AOMDA are exempt from US Federal Income Tax, as provided
in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, and as provided
in French Tax regulations pertaining to Not-for-Profit Associations
under the law of 1901.
Annual Member Dues: 50€ or $50
Life Membership: 500€ or $500
Click here for a membership
application.
(PDF - 92KB, Adobe Reader required.)
Donations, grants and bequests in any amount
are welcome.
Click here to view the video about AOMDA.
(opens in a new window)
Most sincerely,
Van Kirk Reeves
President
