On this day in 1923, President Warren G. Harding signed legislation to establish the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Led by General of the Armies John J. Pershing, the agency was made responsible for the creation of monuments honoring the American Expeditionary Forces that fought during World War I.

Soon after, the ABMC constructed memorial chapels in the eight permanent military cemeteries established in Europe after the war.

Since then, the ABMC mission has expanded to commemorate the service, achievements, and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces buried or memorialized at 26 cemeteries and 31 monuments located throughout the world.

Most recently in December 2020, ABMC accepted responsibility for the Battle of the Bulge Monument in Belgium.

From the Mexican-American War to World War II, to the Vietnam War, the ABMC honors the memory and legacy of more than 230,000 service members who gave their lives in service to the nation.