Media Ground Rules

All media representatives are required to register for credentialing with the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Public Affairs Office at www.abmc.gov/press/media-credentials-request. Media must agree to the below ground rules to be credentialed. Please have an unexpired government-issued/ or agency photo ID/driver’s license available when picking up credentials at the Normandy American Cemetery (NOAC) from 2-5 June, 2019.

All media representatives, vehicles and gear will be subject to security procedures that ensure the safety of all participants and are determined by U.S. and host nation security organizations. Arrival times, badging, media escort and designated media areas may be dictated by these security requirements.

Media representatives will adhere to designated parking areas for live/satellite trucks and any parking restrictions and/or alternate transportation methods required for the event.

For security reasons, drone photography or filming will not be allowed during cemetery hours from June 2-4th or at all from June 5-7th, 2019.

Media representatives should request interviews with U.S. or foreign government/military personnel through the Joint Information Center (JIC) at NOAC and will be escorted/accompanied by public affairs representatives in the execution of these interviews.

Based on the potential volume of media interest and space constraints, a pooled video feed may be required. If necessary, any media pools, to include TV, radio, and wire service/print media representatives, will be determined by the media representatives present.

Media are asked to coordinate interviews with World War II Veterans, family members and next of kin (NOK) of D-Day war dead in advance through ABMC Public Affairs at publicaffairs@abmc.gov or on-site through the NOAC JIC. If pre-coordination is not possible, media are asked to seek permission for the interview and respect the wishes of Veterans, family members and NOK should they decline.

No food and limited water will be available within NOAC on June 6th. Arrival time for the event, based on security measures, could be up to six hours in advance of the ceremony start time. No large coolers, picnic baskets, etc will be permitted in the cemetery that day. Media should plan accordingly.

Rustic restroom facilities will be available on site.  

Unprofessional activity is not tolerated and may result in media credentials being revoked. Unprofessional activities include:

  • Any behavior deemed disruptive to other journalists, attending dignitaries, Veterans, family members and NOK, the ceremony itself, or any U.S. or foreign government/military staff and personnel.
  • Any behavior deemed unlawful by local authorities.
  • Failure to follow guidance from security personnel.
  • Disrespect to interred service members or the Normandy American Cemetery to include willful or negligent damage or defacement of headstones or the cemetery grounds; using headstones or other cemetery features as tripods or equipment holders; or using any area other than the provided port-a-johns as a restroom.