ABMC Receives Three Media Awards from the National Association for Interpretation

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) has received three media awards from the National Association for Interpretation for original works created in 2015 by the Office of External Affairs. Placing first in the categories of Digital Media, Book and Short Video, professionals in the field of interpretation and media development judged the entries, and determined that ABMC’s submissions exhibited an outstanding application of interpretive principles, communicated the intended message effectively and in an appropriate manner, and engaged users through the use of art and technology.

The items that received awards included a short documentary,  and two products from ABMC’s education program—a website and non-fiction book.

• 1st in Digital Media
  Understanding Sacrifice: An ABMC Education Program about World War II in Northern Europe
  About the Entry: ABMCeducation.org is a website that serves as a clearinghouse for all education materials created as part of ABMC’s Understanding Sacrifice education program. Lesson plans and resources, available on the website, are designed to be used across disciplines and address a variety of learning styles.
  Comments from the Judging Process:  “This is a thought-provoking website which demonstrates the ways in which educators and interpreters can collaborate to produce outstanding and complex learning opportunities for students from apparently static monuments.”

• 1st in Books
  When The Akimotos Went To War: An Untold Story of Family, Patriotism, and Sacrifice During World War II
  About the Entry: This book captures the story of three Japanese-American brothers—Victor, Johnny, and Ted Akimoto—who volunteered for military service while their family members were forced into an internment camp. Despite the nation-wide fear of the Nisei—the first generation of Japanese children born in the United States who were American citizens—the Akimoto brothers pledged their loyalty and bravery to the U.S. military, wanting to prove that being an American ran deeper than race. 
  Comments from the Judging Process:  “Descriptive storytelling allows the reader to transport to a different time, while still being relatable. Race, war, family, marriage, love, sacrifice, etc. a lot of intangibles and universal concepts are well used.”

• 1st in Short Videos
  The Journey Back
  About the Entry: “The Journey Back” profiles the story of SSgt. Max Chotin who died November 3, 1945, nearly six months after the war in Europe had ended, and is buried in Netherlands American Cemetery. In this film his son Arthur returns to his final resting place to deliver a meaningful thank you to the Dutch people during the 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony. During his journey back, Arthur meets the Naaijkens family for the first time, the family that has adopted his father’s gravesite.
  Comments from the Judging Process:  “This entry has a very direct connection to the purpose of the American Battle Monuments Commission by encouraging viewers to develop an appreciation for the ongoing remembrance of the sacrifice made by United States military personnel in World War II, as well as the heroic devotion to the cemetery by the Dutch people .”

ABMC’s Office of External Affairs works to develop engaging products and resources that connect the public with the agency mission.  Understanding Sacrifice,  which is a partnership with National History Day ® and the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, began in 2014. And the effort to create original, documentary-style film products in-house began in 2012.

About the American Battle Monuments Commission: 
The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) is a U.S. government agency charged with commemorating the service, achievements and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces. Established by Congress in 1923, ABMC administers, operates, and maintains 25 permanent American military cemeteries and 27 federal memorials, monuments and markers located across the globe. These cemeteries and memorials, most of which commemorate the service and sacrifice of Americans who served in World War I and World War II, are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained shrines in the world. For more information, visit www.abmc.gov or connect with us on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.