The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) honours the overseas service, actions, and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and continuous maintenance of all American military cemeteries abroad. It organizes memorial services as well as passing on their legacy to younger generations. In total, the ABMC manages 26 military cemeteries and 30 memorials across 17 countries. The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer supplanted an earlier, temporary cemetery that was established right under the cliff at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer as early as 7 June 1944.