The ABS joins in Memorial Day Ceremony at U.S. National Cemetery

The American Benevolent Society was proud to play a special role in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the U.S. National Cemetery in Colonia San Rafael on May 22.

The event marked one of the first appearances of the new United States Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson.

Representing the ABS were President Bill Biese, First Vice President Frances Huttanus, Second Vice President Doug Hall, Secretary Rosa Pisinger, Executive Director Aliki Elias, and Advisor Pedro De Koster. They laid a wreath of red, white, and blue flowers in memory of America’s fallen.

Michael Brennan, American Legion Post 2 former commander, draped the POW-MIA flag over an empty chair. Brennan is also a member of the ABS board of directors.

The Mexico City National Cemetery was established in 1851 as burial space for Americans who died  in and around Mexico City during the Mexican American War. It is under the care of the American Battle Monuments Commission, an agency of the United States Government. Its one acre of beautifully manicured and landscaped property contains the remains of 750 unknown soldiers from the Mexican war. More than 800 bodies are interred in marked vaults.

It was the first national cemetery outside of the United States. Admission is free and does not require booking in advance.The address is Virginia Fábregas 31, Colonia San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX.

The ABS owns the American Cemetery (Panteón Americano) in Colonia Argentina Antigua. The two cemeteries operate independently but enjoy a long and rich history of cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador Ronald D. Johnson paused for a photo with ABS leadership (l-r) Pedro De Koster, Doug Hall, Frances Huttanus, Ambassador Johnson, Bill Biese, Aliki Elias, and Rosa Pisinger.