Our Mission
The AOMDA was founded in 1920 and incorporated in 1952 under the laws of Washington, DC, Article 3(a) of the Certificate of Incorporations states the AOMDA mission. 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 flags on all known graves in Europe of American Servicepersons; board members in both the US and France, working closely with local partners in France, help to accomplish the Association’s mission.
- Placing of flags in American Military Cemeteries is done through the cooperation of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
- For the 300 isolated graves in 275 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 Memorial Day ceremonies at World War I and II cemeteries and monuments throughout France. A “sister” AOMDA organization in Brussels helps to furnish wreaths for the American cemeteries in Belgium.
In addition to the placement of American flags on the graves of American servicemen and women buried in France, AOMDA works closely with the American Battle Monuments Commission to coordinate and sponsor annual Memorial Day Ceremonies as well as the post-ceremony receptions at those locations (sometimes on the cemetery grounds or at the local town halls). These “vins d’honneurs” are integral to the continued fostering and nurturing of the special relationship between the local townspeople and the descendants and family members of those American heroes buried in France who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. AOMDA further works closely with the ABMC in Paris, the local American Legion and VFW posts, the American Embassy and consulates, as well as local French authorities and veterans organizations (Souvenir Francais).
Our Leadership
- James W. Gerard, Chairman
- Sumner E. Anderson
- Steve Ekovic
- Pimm Fox
- Rene Huard
- William S. Murphy
- Jocelyn Papelard-Brescia
- Elizabeth Powell
- Timothy Ramier
- Michael J. Reading
- Mike Simpson