4. American Cemetery
Located in Colleville-sur-Mer, on the site of the temporary American St. Laurent Cemetery, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France was established on June 8, 1944, by the U.S. First Army as the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. The cemetery which covers 172.5 acres at the north end of its half mile access road contains the remains of 9,387 9,387 American military soldiers, most of whom died during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operation of World War II. Also, a semicircular garden, on the east side of the memorial are inscribed 1,557 names on the Walls of the Missing.
Under Congressional acts that provide yearly financial support for maintaining the site, the Normandy American Cemetery is managed by the American government, with most military and civil personnel employed abroad
About one million visitors tour Normandy making it one of the most visited cemeteries of the ABMC. There is also a lawn directly embedded opposite the entrance to the old Visitors’ Building with an orientation table depicting the landings in Normandy. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool; beyond is the burial area with a circular chapel and, at the far end, granite statues representing the United States and France.