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  American Club Brussels
An International club with an American heart


Memorial Day Ceremonies

  • 27 May 2017
  • 28 May 2017
  • American Military Cemeteries Belgium
Memorial Day...
Why Should We Remember Them?

 
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American Memorial Day is here again, with events planned for the weekend of May 27 and 28. For Americans living in the United States, Memorial Day is a day off from work, with family picnics, and unbeatable sales. However, when you reside in Belgium, it is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to experience what Memorial Day is all about.

Commemorations of America’s commitment to guarantee freedom for the U.S., her friends and allies have been held each Memorial Day weekend in Belgium since 1923. One meaningful role Americans play during their years here is taking part in these ceremonies. If you haven’t done so already, don’t miss this opportunity. Attending a Memorial Day ceremony is a chance to reflect upon the freedom we enjoy today, paid for in the 20th century by over 345,000 brave American men and women who died during World Wars I and II. Over 14,000 American servicemen are buried in Belgium in three American military cemeteries.

United States Military Representatives and senior Belgian politicians offer their tributes. Belgian schoolchildren sing both The Star Spangled Banner and the Belgian national anthem, and deliver special poetic tributes at some cemeteries. The uplifting and dignified ceremonies help us to recall the self-evident truths that are the foundation of America itself, “…that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Everyone is invited to attend the Memorial Day ceremonies in grateful remembrance. You can also help to honor these brave soldiers and airmen by making a contribution to the AOMDA Foundation [ING account BE19310120214412 – BBRUBEBB]. A volunteer, non-profit organization supported solely by private donations, all money is used to ensure that the sacrifices of yesterday will never be forgotten, with special emphasis paid to youth outreach programs that perpetuate remembrance and understanding among future generations.

For directions and additional information: www.aomda.org.


NEW WEBSITE

Servicemen Stories Database: Every one of the more than 14,000 servicemen buried in Belgium now has a personal tribute page on www.aomda.org to honor his memory. Enter a name in the search fields or view by cemetery to read and share information and tributes about each soldier, marine and airman whose final resting place is Belgium. Registered users may upload photos, articles, videos, thoughts, reflections and more. What makes the database unique is that it scales for use by smartphones and mobile devices, allowing visitors to a cemetery to engage with these serviceman’s stories on location. Please help us tell their stories by researching and sharing what you can about their lives and history.

Serve as Sentinel of Memory: At the request of the ABMC, AOMDA Belgium agreed to assume leadership of two of the former grave adoption programs. The timing was perfect, and the website provided a way to merge the activity with our new Sentinels of Memory initiative. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can be a Sentinel of Memory for any serviceman with whom they feel a connection. Simply register and add your name on his tribute page. Those who live closer to a cemetery may choose to serve as a “Primary” Sentinel, a commitment to honor his grave with floral tributes throughout the year and to research and help to share his story.

Please consider a donation: The AOMDA Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit entity, has been created to help AOMDA Belgium achieve its mission of remembrance. We remain a private, 100% volunteer organization. All funds received go directly to our mission. Donating is now easier than ever. Simply visit our site and make a donation today using Paypal. Or find instructions on how to send a check. Donations in USD are tax deductible. We greatly appreciate your support!

AOMDA Belgium
www.aomda.org




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