Join the ABMF Tour of ABMC Cemeteries

The Presence of Memories

France, Belgium, Netherlands

This one-of-a-kind private event includes behind the scenes tours of six ABMC American military cemeteries and memorials, private tours of world-class museums, VIP seating at the Liberation Concert at Margraten in the Netherlands, lectures by ABMC historians and military experts, first-class lodging, meals of locally-sourced foods and wines, and curated cultural experiences. This unique trip will focus on the stories of the fallen heroes of World War I and World War II, and the relevance of their sacrifice to today’s geo-politics.

Proceeds from this special fundraising tour will benefit the educational and outreach efforts of ABMC’s unique mission – especially for younger generations.

When linking below to learn more about the many venues you’ll visit on this tour, we suggest a “right click” to “open link in a new window” so you can easily return to this page.

Hotel Les Lumières

Thursday, September 11

Reserved this evening exclusively for our group, the 5-star Hotel Les Lumières adjoins the stunning 17th century Château de Versailles. Enjoy a private tour of this World Heritage site, followed by a welcome dinner of carefully selected grand crus and wonderful local produce.

Insights and Stories of WWI

Friday, September 12

A hearty breakfast at Les Lumières, then we’ll visit the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, the birthplace of American combat aviation, and Chateau-Thierry Monument where the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division protected France by stopping the Germans from crossing the Marne River.

After lunch at a highly-recommended local family brasserie, we’ll proceed to Belleau Wood, where U.S. Marines captured the area in 1918, sustaining 8,100 casualties. Next door is Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, where the Americans played a crucial role in stopping the German offensive and turned the tide of the war.

After a solid day of bringing history to life, we’ll unwind with a private “maison de champagne” evening of fine wines and dinner in the historic town of Reims.

Insights and Stories of WWII

Saturday, September 13

Today’s presentations focus on the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest battle of WWII and a turning point toward the final victory in Europe. We’ll visit the Bastogne War Museum as well as the “Screaming Eagles” 101st Airborne Museum where its life-like interactive displays simulate fighting in the coldest winter on record and invite you to experience a bombing raid.

We’ll spend two nights (Sept 13/14) in Maastricht, an ancient city dating from 575 AD, and a 16th century medieval trading center on the Meuse River. It is now a thriving cultural hub and birthplace of the European Union and the euro. Enjoy a stroll and dinner on your own.

Netherlands American Cemetery

Sunday, September 14

Since 1945, the Dutch people have demonstrated their sincere appreciation for the Allied soldiers who fought and died so that others could live in freedom. The annual, classical Liberation Concert is performed at the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. Following the concert, we’ll have a private dinner with a special conversation with our featured speakers – and you!

Private coach to Brussels International Airport

Monday, September 15

Robert J. Dalessandro

Robert J. Dalessandro is a nationally-recognized expert and award-winning author or editor of 10 books on WWI. His focus is the lifeways and material culture of the American soldier in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. A retired colonel in the U.S. Army, Rob serves as deputy secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He is the former director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC. He served as chairman of the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission.

General Stephen J. Townsend

General Stephen J. Townsend is a recently retired U.S. Army 4-star general and infantry officer with more than 40 years of service around the world in peace and war. Command assignments include: U.S. Africa Command; U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; XVIII Airborn Corps; 70-nation Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, effectively defeating Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. He serves on the ABMF Board of Directors and chairs the International Council.

Michael G. Knapp

Michael G. Knapp serves as the Chief of Historical Services for the American Battle Monuments Commission. An archivist and military historian and museum professional, he worked for the National Archives, U.S. Army Center of Military History, and the Vietnam War 60th Anniversary Commission. He served in Kabul as command historian for the U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and the International Security Assistance Force. He has written and coauthored books and articles on WWI. He retired after 22 years of service with the National Guard as a signal warrant officer.

Please make your reservation for you and your guest by June 30, 2025

✧ Guests are responsible for their own transportation to Versailles, France and from the Brussels International Airport in Zaventem, Belgium. Travel, health, and cancellation insurance are not included in tour fees.

✧ If you arrive in Paris in advance of Sept. 11, ABMF has negotiated a special price for our guests at Hotel Les Lumières. Please contact Chloe Appert for details. Check-in on Sept. 11 begins at noon. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure at the spa or the hotel’s other beautiful amenities before the private tour of Versailles.

✧ Your passport needs to be valid for at least three (3) months after the trip. A visa is not currently required for U.S. citizens visiting France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

✧ Private coach transportation is included in the tour for all destinations between Versailles and Brussels International Airport.

✧ Tour fees include four nights lodging; tips; all meals except for Saturday evening, Sept 13; all museum entrance fees and privately-guided tours and “Maison de champagne”; reserved seating for Liberation Concert; souvenir gifts from ABMF and ABMC.

✧ The group will not exceed 50 individuals, including tour guests, staff, speakers, videographer, and concierge.

✧ Proceeds will be dedicated to ABMF’s mission for outreach and education and ABMC commemorations. You will receive a statement of fair market value, and your donation may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. ABMF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN 83-1213860.

✧ A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to book your reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure (July 11, 2025). Payments may be made via wire transfer, ACH payment, check or credit card. Credit card processing fees are charged to the participant. ABMF retains the right to cancel the tour if fewer than 32 people are registered by June 30, 2025, in which case, all deposits will be refunded immediately.