WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a significant expansion of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) website, the nation’s most comprehensive online memorial dedicated to honoring Veterans and Service Members. With the addition of 210,000 new pages for those interred or honored in cemeteries and memorials managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the VLM now houses more than 10 million pages commemorating the lives of those who served.
This development stems from a partnership between VA’s National Cemetery Administration and the ABMC, reflecting a collective effort to memorialize Veterans whose sacrifices extended to overseas cemeteries and monuments. The ABMC oversees 26 cemeteries and 32 memorials located in allied countries, honoring Americans who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
“The brave Americans resting in American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries and whose names are inscribed on ABMC memorials around the world sacrificed their lives to liberate allied countries and to protect our nation’s interests,” said Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Walters. “It’s our honor to preserve their legacies.”
Features of the Veterans Legacy Memorial
The VLM serves as a digital tribute to Veterans, providing a space where family, friends, and communities can contribute personal tributes, photos, and biographies. Available for individuals interred in VA national cemeteries, state and tribal veterans cemeteries, Department of Defense facilities, National Park Service cemeteries, and select private cemeteries, the platform enables loved ones to share and preserve memories.
Among the most unique features is the “Your Life, Your Story” tool, designed for living Veterans who have been approved for pre-need burial in a VA national cemetery to tell their own stories. This function allows individuals to document their service and personal history, ensuring their legacy is preserved even before interment.
“We are proud to be a part of this partnership, which adds new resources to honor our nation’s Veterans from all wars and brings their stories to those who aren’t able to visit our ABMC sites overseas,” said ABMC Acting Secretary Robert Dalessandro.
A Collaborative Commitment
The inclusion of internationally interred service members represents a milestone in the VLM’s mission to immortalize the contributions of Veterans. The collaboration with ABMC extends the memorial’s reach, providing a virtual means for families and history enthusiasts to connect with stories that may otherwise be inaccessible. This joint effort exemplifies a unified commitment to ensuring all who served are remembered.
Looking Ahead
With its latest expansion, the Veterans Legacy Memorial not only celebrates the past but also provides an enduring digital platform for future generations to honor and engage with the legacies of America’s heroes. The VA’s continued focus on enhancing accessibility and historical preservation guarantees the platform will remain a valuable resource for remembering those who dedicated their lives to service.
Further updates to the VLM are anticipated as the VA seeks to enrich its offerings, preserving the stories of more Veterans and making them accessible to families across the world. For the millions of service members whose lives are commemorated, this initiative ensures their sacrifices are neither forgotten nor confined to time or geography.
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