The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer is located at the top of the cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, one of the sites of the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. No one enters this cemetery by chance; it must be voluntary. This small haven of greenery invites contemplation and remembrance. The Normandy American Cemetery is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). Their mission is to preserve the memory of the United States Military Forces wherever they served by building and maintaining American military cemeteries and memorials abroad.