This self-paced course is provided at no cost, and was developed in partnership with the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Land at Indiana University. An IU guest account registration is required.

This course provides an introduction to the American Battle Monuments Commission commemorative sites and provides helpful information for tour guides to offer an enriching experience while leading groups at ABMC sites.

Access the course here: https://expand.iu.edu/browse/iidc/eppley/abmc/courses/abmc-commemorative-sites-for-commercial-guides

Course summary:

The more than 55 ABMC commemorative sites across 17 countries host about 3 million visitors each year. Individuals, relatives of the deceased, veterans, and active military visit our cemeteries and monuments to pay their respects, learn about the United States’ role in foreign conflicts, enjoy the peaceful beauty, and discover personal stories of the fallen.

Course objectives:

After completing this course, learners should be able to:

• Identify the name and mission of the organization that manages American memorial sites overseas.
• Explain the historical events which led to the creation of overseas American cemeteries.
• Describe the ways the U.S. commemorates overseas the memory of individuals who died in WWI, WWII, and other conflicts.
• Identify and access new resources to support tour development for ABMC sites.
• Inform visitors about rules and common expectations at ABMC commemorative sites.
• Help support the ABMC mission and preserve its sites.

Recommended background:

No additional background knowledge or skills are required for this course.

Course topics include:

• The American Battle Monuments Commission
• ABMC Commemorative Programs
• Characteristics of American Overseas Cemeteries
• ABMC Headstones
• Making the Most of an ABMC Visit