American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, established by Congress in 1923. Its primary mission is to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifices of U.S. armed forces by designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining permanent military cemeteries and memorials both within the United States and overseas. As of 2023, ABMC manages 26 cemeteries and 31 memorials in 17 countries, commemorating over 200,000 American service members.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To commemorate the achievements and sacrifices of U.S. armed forces by establishing and maintaining military cemeteries and memorials where American forces have served since April 6, 1917.

Vision: To be the premier agency for commemorating and venerating American military service, sacrifice, and achievements, ensuring that "Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."

Industry Significance

ABMC plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of American military service, providing a tangible connection to the nation's history and honoring those who have served. Its cemeteries and memorials serve as educational resources and sites of reflection for millions of visitors annually.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Commemoration: Design and maintain military cemeteries and memorials to honor U.S. service members.

Education: Provide educational resources and programs to inform the public about the history and significance of these sites.

Preservation: Ensure the upkeep and preservation of cemeteries and memorials to maintain their historical integrity.

Areas of Specialization

Cemetery Management: Overseeing the maintenance and operation of military cemeteries abroad.

Memorial Design and Construction: Planning and building memorials to commemorate American military history.

Historical Research: Conducting research to accurately represent the history and individuals commemorated at each site.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Archives: Maintaining online databases of service members interred or memorialized at ABMC sites.

Virtual Tours: Offering virtual 360-degree tours of cemeteries and memorials to enhance public engagement.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

Educational Institutions: Providing resources for schools and universities to teach about American military history.

Veteran and Military Organizations: Collaborating to honor and remember service members.

General Public: Engaging visitors through educational programs and commemorative events.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

ABMC is funded through annual appropriations from the U.S. federal government. Specific funding amounts and details of recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Total Funds Raised

As a government agency, ABMC does not engage in fundraising activities. Its operations are financed through federal appropriations.

Notable Investors

As a public entity, ABMC does not have investors. Its funding is provided by the U.S. government.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The allocated funds are utilized for the maintenance and operation of cemeteries and memorials, educational programs, historical research, and preservation efforts.

Pipeline Development

Key Projects and Milestones

America250 Initiative: In 2026, ABMC is participating in the America250 initiative to inspire Americans to reflect on their past and renew their commitment to the nation.

82nd Anniversary of Anzio-Nettuno Landings: ABMC commemorated the 82nd anniversary of Operation Shingle at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces and their allies during the World War II landings at Anzio and Nettuno.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Digital Archives: ABMC maintains an online database of names associated with each site, allowing the public to search for individuals interred or memorialized at ABMC cemeteries and memorials.

Significant Scientific Methods

Virtual Tours: Offering virtual 360-degree tours of cemeteries and memorials to enhance public engagement and education.

Leadership Team

Board of Commissioners

Michael X. Garrett: Chairman. Appointed in June 2023, General (Ret.) Garrett served 38 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a four-star general.

John Freeman: Commissioner. Appointed in July 2025, Freeman is a managing partner of High Plains Acres and has a background in law and business.

Dorothy (Deecy) Stephens Gray: Commissioner. Re-appointed in September 2025, Gray is a public relations and government affairs consultant with extensive experience in business, policy, diplomacy, and public service.

Florent Groberg: Commissioner. Appointed in September 2021, Groberg is a Medal of Honor recipient and has held senior roles at Microsoft, Boeing, LinkedIn, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Christopher LaCivita: Commissioner. Appointed in April 2025, LaCivita is a political consultant and campaign strategist with experience in the U.S. Marine Corps and political consulting.

Kelly J. Roberts: Commissioner. Appointed in April 2025, Roberts is the Owner and Chairman of the Entrepreneurial Corporate Group and The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, with a background in hospitality and real estate.

Brooks D. Tucker: Commissioner. Appointed in April 2025, Tucker is a U.S. Marine Corps officer and has served in various roles within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Acting Secretary

Robert J. Dalessandro: Acting Secretary. A retired U.S. Army colonel and historian, Dalessandro has written extensively on the American Expeditionary Forces and serves as Deputy Secretary of ABMC.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

ABMC operates in a unique niche, focusing on the commemoration and maintenance of military cemeteries and memorials. Its primary competitors are other national war graves commissions, such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which manages cemeteries and memorials for Commonwealth nations.

Competitor Analysis

Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC): Manages cemeteries and memorials for Commonwealth nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ABMC collaborates with various organizations, including the American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF), a non-profit partner that supports ABMC's mission through education and outreach programs.

Operational Insights

ABMC's unique mission and government funding distinguish it from other organizations in the field. Its focus on maintaining the highest standards of preservation and education ensures its cemeteries and memorials remain significant historical and educational resources.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ABMC continues to explore opportunities to enhance public engagement through digital platforms, educational programs, and international collaborations. The America250 initiative in 2026 presents a significant opportunity to engage the public in reflecting on the nation's history and the sacrifices made by its service members.