While many overseas military programs remain open despite the government shutdown, closures are beginning to strike at global installations.
According to USA Today, the American Battle Monuments Commission just announced that all of its cemeteries will close temporarily due to lack of funding.
"ABMC will resume normal operations when a new funding measure is passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President of the United States," the organization said in a statement on its website.
About 20 cemeteries around the world that serve as the resting place for veterans who fought in both world wars, as well as other conflicts, will be affected. The cemeteries are located in France, Belgium, Tunisia, Mexico, Italy and Great Britain, according to the news source. One of the most visited cemeteries is in the Normandy town of Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach – one of the landing places of the infamous World War II invasion – and receives about a million visitors each year.
The ABMC also stated on its website that it will be unable to respond to inquires or provide various services, including letters authorizing free passports for military families, escort assistance and arrangements for floral decorations.