American Battle Monuments Commission to participate in Printemps des Cimetières at 3 sites in France

The American Battle Monuments Commission will take part in the 10th edition of Printemps des Cimetières, a national cultural initiative in France that encourages visitors to experience cemeteries through history, remembrance, and interpretation.

Between May 8 and 10, three ABMC cemeteries in France will welcome the public with a range of onsite programs. The participating locations are Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Normandy American Cemetery and St. Mihiel American Cemetery.

This year's theme is a retrospective of the following themes: The history and stories of our cemeteries; memory of wars in cemeteries; cemeteries and symbols; women in cemeteries; fauna, flora, and biodiversity.

Across all three sites, ABMC staff will lead guided visits, interpretive walks, and workshops designed to offer new perspectives on these cemeteries while commemorating the service and sacrifice of the American men and women honored there.

"Printemps des Cimetières provides a meaningful opportunity to engage visitors with our cemeteries beyond traditional visits," said Charlotte Giraudo, ABMC Interpretation Program manager. "Through interpretation and dialogue, these programs help convey the values, stories, and missions embodied at our sites."

Programs at ABMC sites:

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery - May 9-10

• Symbols of Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery: Witnesses of courage, brotherhood and sacrifice at 3 p.m. CET
  One-hour interpretive tour offered daily. Departure from the central fountain. Visitors are advised to wear walking shoes and bring water.

No registration is required. No maximum number of participants.

Picture of Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery with headstones in the front and the chapel in the back. Credit: American Battle Monuments Commission/ Warrick Page.

Normandy American Cemetery - May 8-10

Normandy American Cemetery will host a series of interpretive activities offered throughout the three-day event:

• Allegorical figures at NOAC: Values etched in stone
  A discovery trail available in French and English throughout the day inviting visitors to explore allegorical figures and the values they convey.

• Women through words at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. CET
  One-hour interpretive tours offered in the morning and afternoon, focusing on the role of women through texts and selected inscriptions.

• History & Stories of NOAC at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CET
  A one-hour interpretive workshop conducted in collaboration with the cemetery's Horticulture Team, highlighting how the site has evolved over time.

No registration is required for any activities at Normandy American Cemetery. No maximum number of participants.

Picture of Normandy American Cemetery and its memorial. Credit: American Battle Monuments Commission/ Robert Uth.

St. Mihiel American Cemetery - May 9

• 1921, Choosing the Unknown American Soldier at 11 a.m. CET
  One-hour guided tour that will address the selection of the American World War I unknown soldier for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and the unknowns buried at St. Mihiel American Cemetery.
  Participants will also meet members of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who will present their mission.

Maximum number of participants: 15. Registration required via email at [email protected].

Picture of St. Mihiel American Cemetery with the eagle statue. Credit: American Battle Monuments Commission/ Robert Uth.

ABMC's involvement in Printemps des Cimetières 2026 underscores the agency's continued dedication to remembrance, education, and public outreach at its American military cemeteries. Through this event, ABMC seeks to share the significance, history, and stories of its sites with a wide range of audiences and future generations.

The American Battle Monuments Commission sites are a constant reminder of Gen. John J. Pershing's promise that, "time will not dim the glory of their deeds."