How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

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The 80th anniversary of D-Day next week marks a significant milestone in the remembrance of one of World War II’s most critical events.

June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy—the day in 1944 when allied forces from 13 countries landed (“ont débarqué“) on five beaches in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the end of World War II.

Planned under the codename Operation Overlord , the attack by sea and air included almost 156,000 allied troops from the United States, Canada, England, and other allied countries and is considered the largest military invasion ever assembled, and a turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

The operation, D-Day, known as Le Débarquement in France, was launched on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) with the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune).

As we approach this momentous anniversary, France is preparing a series of commemorations to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the Normandy landings.

How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

1. What D-Day Means

D-Day, which stands for “Designated Day,” refers specifically to June 6th, 1944, during World War II, when the Allied forces launched a massive amphibious invasion against Nazi-occupied France in Normandy. It marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany’s control over Western Europe.

Here’s a brief overview of the events leading up to D-Day and the invasion itself:

Preparation: Planning for the invasion began in advance, when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed on the need for a large-scale assault to open a new front against Germany in Western Europe. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.

Selection of Normandy: Normandy was chosen as the landing site due to its relatively weak defences compared to other potential landing areas. It also offered the Allies a gateway to push inland and eventually liberate France and the rest of Western Europe.

D-Day: On the morning of June 6th, 1944, over 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD.

The landings were preceded by airborne operations, with paratroopers and glider-borne troops dropping behind enemy lines to secure key objectives and disrupt German defences.

Scribbled on a hand-written note on June 5th 1944, General Eisenhower said he would assume full personal responsibility in the event this highly risky mission failed. This “In Case of Failure message,” is mistakenly dated “July” 5th instead of “June” 5th.

Later that evening, his Order of the Day was distributed to the 175,000 soldiers who would take part the next morning in what we now call D-Day.

The invasion met fierce resistance from well-fortified German positions, particularly at Omaha Beach, where the American forces faced heavy casualties. Despite initial setbacks, the Allies managed to establish beachheads and push inland.

Breakthrough: By the end of D-Day, the Allies had secured a foothold in Normandy, albeit at a heavy cost in terms of lives lost. Over the following weeks, they gradually pushed inland, eventually breaking out of Normandy and liberating Paris in August 1944.

D-Day was a pivotal moment in World War II, signaling the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and setting the stage for the eventual Allied victory in Europe. It remains one of the most significant military operations in history, commemorated annually for the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, and the turning point it represented in the war.

2. How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary

France is organizing a wide array of events and activities across the Normandy region to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. These commemorations will take place in early June 2024 and will include ceremonies, exhibitions, guided tours, and reenactments.

Here are some highlights, and you can download the official program here:

1. Ceremonies and Memorials

The official international ceremony will take place on Thursday 6 June 2024 on Omaha Beach. Many heads of state, veterans and officials will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day (by invitation only).

On this day, please take note that for security reasons many beaches and sectors will be cordoned off with no access to visitors, vehicles etc.

This Saturday 1st June, at nightfall, over 20 huge firework displays will light up the sky simultaneously over the 5 Landing Beaches. A beautiful family-friendly and free event.

Other ceremonies include the following:

• 5th June: International Ceremony in tribute to the civilian victims, Saint-Lô
• 6th June: Franco-American Ceremony in Colleville-sur-Mer, before the official International Ceremony
• 6th June: Franco-Canadian Ceremony in Courseulles-sur-Mer, after the official International Ceremony
• 7th June: Ceremony with American President Joe Biden in Cherbourg
• 7th June: Bayeux Liberation Ceremony with President Macron in Bayeux

2. Exhibitions and Historical Displays

Throughout the commemorative period, there will be exhibitions and displays, such as the exhibitions at The Normandy Victory Museum which have been certified by the Normandy Region, and which will be held from 1 to 12 June 2024, both indoors and outdoors. You can find the complete program and buy tickets here.

3. Guided Tours and Historical Walks

Visitors can also participate in guided tours and historical walks that retrace the steps of the Allied forces. These tours will include detailed presentations of the events leading up to and during the D-Day landings, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience

4. Cultural and Musical Events

The commemorations will also feature cultural and musical events, including jazz concerts, parades, fireworks and sound and light shows. These events aim to celebrate the enduring legacy of D-Day and the liberation of France, fostering a sense of community and remembrance

5. Parachute Drops and Reenactments

Also, there will be parachute drops and reenactments of paratrooper jumps, along with demonstrations of glider landings. These activities provide a vivid and dynamic portrayal of the airborne operations that were crucial to the success of D-Day.

6. Visiting the Cemeteries

Many people will also visit one or more of the 27 military cemeteries in Normandy, of which the The Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is the most-visited.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the beaches where they landed and faced relentless German machine gun fire, this cemetery covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,388 military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations.

Final Thoughts on How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

D-Day represents much more than a historical military operation; it embodies the courage, sacrifice, and collaboration of the Allied forces and the resilience of the French people. It symbolizes the fight for freedom and the collective effort to overcome tyranny. Commemorating D-Day is an opportunity to reflect on the values of courage, unity, and perseverance and it serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the importance of peace.

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