Overseas war heroes who are buried in America remain defenders of liberty, as they 'continue to serve'.

American war heroes who were killed in distant lands in defense of liberty are honored with pristine white marble gravestones.

The sight of Christian crosses and Jewish Stars of David in rows stirs the emotions of many Americans. These symbols are often featured in films, music, and attract a large number of tourists annually.

In a recent interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Charles K. Djou, secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, stated that the Americans lying in these battlefields are still serving the nation.

Over 234,000 US servicemembers who perished in war are buried in 26 cemeteries across 17 countries worldwide. Despite their eternal rest, they continue to serve as guardians.

Djou's agency, located in Washington, D.C., oversees 26 cemeteries globally and 31 international memorials dedicated to U.S. war casualties.

He stated that the fallen continue to serve as a reminder that America is a unique nation and its people are unique.

"These individuals serve as a reminder that we stand up for our beliefs and are willing to sacrifice our youth and finest citizens to defend them."

"The Americans lying in these battlefields continue to serve the nation."

In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Djou as the secretary of the American Battlefield Monuments Commission.

He talked about his agency's objectives and its plans for Memorial Day this year, which falls on May 27, as well as for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, where the historic invasion of Europe occurred on June 6, 1944.

Djou, now a colonel, has been serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 20 years and deployed with the 10th Mountain Division to Kandahar, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011-2012.

Prior to that mission, he was a Republican representative for Hawaii in the U.S. Congress.

In the interview, Djou passionately spoke about the values of the United States and its distinctive place in global history.

America's young people have played a heroic role in defending "freedom, liberty and democracy," not only on their own soil but also in distant lands where they continue to serve.

Here's a selection of his comments.

‘America at our best’

"Djou acknowledged that the United States is not perfect, stating, "America is not a perfect nation or people. However, I believe that America's greatest qualities are reflected in the mission of the American Battle Monuments Commission.""

"When we are at our best, America stands out among all other countries in the world. Instead of sending our young, brightest and finest to fight for a king or crown, we send them to defend our values and ideals. We do not send them to fight for a pope or faith, but rather for freedom and justice. Our youth are not sent to conquer other lands, but to protect our own."

"The only thing America asks for in exchange for that sacrifice are a few small plots of land to bury our dead."

He said, "We send our young Americans to fight for words and values, including freedom, liberty, and democracy."

Unlike other countries, Americans return home after completing their work. They return home after completing their work, and in return, they ask for a few small plots of land to bury their dead.

‘Made the ultimate sacrifice’

Djou stated that his agency's duty is to preserve the few plots of land in order to ensure that America's values and identity are remembered by both America and the world.

"These soldiers who gave their lives on the battlefield are still serving today," he stated.

"The American people and their values are unique, as evidenced by their willingness to send their bravest citizens to fight for them."

In modern America, I understand the frustration of Americans who are disillusioned with the monotony they encounter on social media and television. They are also frustrated with the divisions they observe in their government.

‘Will America still rise to the occasion?’

"Djou stated, "I am aware that many individuals continue to inquire: 'Does America still possess it?'""

Djou emphasized that America's DNA includes the spirit of sacrifice, which is evident in every site and grave, whether in Normandy or southern France, Tunisia, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, or the Philippines.

While Americans may feel disillusioned by what they see on social media and television, the soldiers who lie under crosses and Stars of David remind us of the unique value that America offers in the world.

Djou stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that "our American soul still holds greatness," as evidenced by the actions of those who inspire us.

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