Junior Guide Program expands to 22 cemeteries, 2 monuments

The American Battle Monuments Commission has recently expanded its educational mission for its youngest visitors with the Junior Guide Program.

Staying true to the mission given by Gen. of the Armies John J. Pershing to ensure that, “time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” the Junior Guide Program was created to engage children with the history of the sites and the stories of the service members honored there.

“As ABMC has expanded its visitor services over the years, it’s important that we also think about how we share our mission with our youngest audiences,” said Charlotte Giraudo, ABMC Interpretation Program manager. “We encourage all of our young visitors to participate in the program at our sites and to share their experience with others when they get home.”

A guide at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium holds the Junior Guide booklet for their site. Each site-specific booklet includes activities tailored specifically for children to engage them in learning about ABMC and the stories of those commemorated there. (ABMC photo).

While it is available for all ages, the guide booklets were designed for children ages 7 to 12. They are now available at 22 of ABMC’s 26 cemeteries around the world except for Suresnes in France, Ardennes in Belgium, Corozal in Panama, and Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines. The program is also available at Chateau-Thierry Monument and Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument.

Participants will receive a site-specific Junior Guide booklet containing interactive puzzles, riddles and coloring activities to complete during their visit. The activities in each booklet allow children to explore the cemetery while reflecting on its significance and meaning today. After completing the booklet and sharing it with staff, Junior Guides will receive a badge sticker and either a pin or token with the site’s name. Newly minted Junior Guides are encouraged to share their knowledge with their family and friends after their visit.

ABMC continuously seeks new and innovative ways to maintain a living legacy, by bringing the stories of the honored dead home to Americans to educate the next generation about the cost of maintaining our nation’s independence, and the evolving nature of sacrifice.