D-Day Diary
This page provides a guide to D-Day events in Normandy, France for the Anniversary of D-Day in 2009.
The latest update is for D-Day events in Normandy in 2012 – see https://visitnormandy.wordpress.com/d-day-2012/
If you are looking for a self-guided tour of the best D-Day sites to visit at any time of year, see Self-drive Tours of D-Day Sites and Museums.
D-Day Diary 2009
D-Day events in Normandy, France, for the 65th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2009.
Towns and villages in the American landing zones (Utah and Omaha Beach) are shown in red.
Towns and villages in the British and Canadian landing zones (Sword, Juno and Gold) are shown in blue.
To those looking for accommodation: please note that our own Normandy Bed and Breakfast accommodation is close enough to the Normandy Landing Beaches for day trips but we are not on the coast – we are actually 90 minutes inland by car. Also, we are full from end of May to mid-June.
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Montormel (61)
On 24-04-2009
Lecture & Symposium
Phone : 0233673861
Memorial of Montormel – lecture by Yves Duprez, General Secretary of ” l’Orne du Souvenir Français” on the invasion of the Orne by the German Army in in 1940. 20h30
Bény sur Mer (14)
On 25-04-2009
« Flower laying » on the graves of the Canadian cemeteries of Bény-Reviers and Douvres La Délivrande.
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
A thousand balloons will be released by children during the ceremony. 17.00h
Ouistreham (14)
On 30-04-2009
Deportees’ Day
Phone : 02 31 96 84 93
Timetable to be confirmed. Mass and Ceremony in Square Jean Moulin.
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Vierville sur Mer (14)
On 03-05-2009
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
OMAHA BEACH
Visits of Omaha Beach organized for handicapped people (including facilities for wheelchairs and blind): presentation of the site and chronology of D-day. A witness of D Day will accompany the groups and will answer questions. By reservation only.
10.00/12.00 am and 2.00/4.00 pm
Potigny (14)
On 08-05-200ç
Phone : 0231908467
Fax : 0231904190
Ceremony with the Potigny, Soumont St Quentin, Bons-Tassilly Veterans Association, the 1st Polish Armoured Division Veterans Association, “Devoir de Mémoire” association and the 1st Polish Armoured National Souvenir Association. TBC
La Cambe (14)
On 09-05-2009
Ceremony of Franco-German Reconciliation at the German cemetery of Cambe
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
Ceremony organized by the young members of Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. Two young masters of ceremony, one speaking French, other German, will direct the commemoration whose goal is to affirm the willingness of the Norman young people to get to a new viewpoint. 15.00h.
Caen (14)
On 13-05-2009
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
Canadian commemorative march
Event organized by the pupils from Victor Lépine and Camille Claudel Schools of Caen with the assistance of the young members of Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. Pupils of each school will carry out a walk of the Canadian Memory, each one starting from their school leading to the Castle of Caen, where a commemoration will take place. 8h30 du lycée C. Claudel, 9h du lycée V. Lépine – 11 heures (commemoration ceremony at Château de Caen)
Cléville (14)
On 15-05-2009
The Resistance in PAYS D’AUGE Lecture & Symposium
Phone : 02 31 85 38 82
Historian Gérard Fournier will lecture at the church of Cléville, exhibition of memorabilia etc. 20.00h
Coudehard (61)
On 16-05-2009
Theatre, Show & Entertainment
Phone : 0233673861
At the Mémorial de Montormel with the theatre troupe “La Comedia”. 20h30
Tournai sur Dives (61)
On 17-05-2009
Inauguration of a bust of L’abbé LAUNAY
Phone : 02 33 67 18 70 – 06 79 39 44 83
10 h /12 h The surrender of the German troops at Tournai sur Dives marked the end of the Battle of Normandy.
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Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 30-05-2009
International Peace Walk
Phone : 0233414148
International Peace Walk from Utah Beach to Sainte-Mère-Eglise. 10h30 depart/ 16h30 arrive
Vierville sur Mer (14)
On 30-05-2009
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
OMAHA BEACH
Visits of Omaha Beach organized for handicapped people (including facilities for wheelchairs and blind): presentation of the site and chronology of D-day. A witness of D Day will accompany the groups and will answer questions. By reservation only. Departure car park monument of the American guard in front of the sea.
10.00/12.00 am and 2.00/4.00 pm
Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 30-05-2009
“Peace and Freedom” – International March
Phone : 0233210033
10.30am-11am: International “Peace and Freedom” walk starts from Utah Beach. 4pm: Arrival at Sainte-Mère-Eglise. 10h30 – 16h
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Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 31-05-2009
Phone : 0233210033
Waco glider flyover (place and times to be confirmed) .
Anisy (14) to Bernières sur Mer (14)
On 31-05-2009
Commemorative walk “In the footsteps of Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the Fort Garry Horse and of La Chaudière”
Phone : 0661993602
From Anisy to Bernières-sur-Mer. Walk organized by the pupils of Victor Lépine, Camille Claudel schools of Caen and the young members of the Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. 11 commemorative halts are organized on the way. 10h from Anisy – 16h arrive Bernières-sur-Mer
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Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 01-06-2009
Phone : 0233715800
Fax : 0233719330
Mairie of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont: Evening of entertainment and celebration.
Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 01-06-2009
Inauguration of Open Air Museum
Phone : 0233217138
10h00 Inauguration of Open Air Museum at Sainte-Mère-Eglise with guided tour commencing in front of town hall.
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Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 03-06-2009
Horses in War Show
Phone : 0233217138
Horses in War Show at the Salle des Fêtes. Free entry. 20h30
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Angoville-en-Plain (50)
On 04-06-2009
“Liberty” Parachute jump between 11h00 and 16h00 depending on conditions
Organised by the Liberty Jump Team, contact details:
Liberty Jump Team, Inc
1515 Mount Gilead Rd
Roanoke, Tx 76262
817-431-2286
Email: LibertyJumpTeamI@aol.com
http://www.libertyjumpteam.org/
See separate entries for June 5th and 7th
June 4th Angoville au Plain 11h00-16h00 depending on conditions
June 5th Amfreville DZ ‘D’ 22h30
June 7th La Fiere -preceding the Military jumps – 12h00
Picauville (50)
On 04-06-2009
Memorial Ceremony 90th Infantry
Phone : 02.33.41.00.18
Fax : 02.33.41.07.98
Association Picauville Memorial ceremony and minute’s silence. 14h00
Colleville sur Mer (14)
04-06-2009 (Thurs), 05-06-2009 (Fri), 09-06-2009 (Tues)
MEETING OF MEMORIES organised by Omaha Beach Tourist Office
http://www.oti-omaha.fr/pages/dday-debarquement-44/284-65e-anniversaire-du-debarquement-.htm
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
A chance to to meet witnesses of the D-Day Landings along a short pedestrian route around Colleville-sur-Mer, the sea front of Omaha Beach between Vierville-on-Sea and St-Laurent-on-Sea, and inland of those towns. Thursday 4, Friday 5 June, Tuesday 9 June : 17h30/19h30. Free but by reservation only via the Tourist offfice (tel. and website above)
Gourbesville (50)
On 04-06-2009
Memorial ceremony 82nd & 90th’s monuments
Phone : 0233410702
15:30 Gourbesville “1944 German Aid Station” (town center in front of the Mayor’s office) : Unveiling of a plaque on the wall dedicated to Company I / 508th PIR Pfc. R. B. Lewellen, who touched down in a field near the crossroads, was wounded, captured, and given aid at this station, along with 507th PIR Major Gordon Smith (named “Citizen of Honor” in October 2006).As R. B. Lewellen is unable to travel, Randy Lewellen will receive the certificate “Citizen of Honor” for his father.*
16h00 Memorial Ceremony. Gourbesville 90th Infantry Division & 82nd Airborne Division Monument (at the crossroads, short walk from the town center) : Inauguration of an information panel; welcome citizen of honor Gordon Smith and other veterans; story of the 90th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne presence there June 6-16, 1944; story of the 508th PIR presence on June 6, 1944 (Hattrick & Lewellen); military presence. Special guests in attendance include Chairman of the Friends and Family of the 508th PIR Association, Dick O’Donnell; historian of the 90th Infantry Division, Norman Richards; and the Staticline Tour. *
Magneville (50)
On 04-06-2009
Memorial ceremony in honour of the U.S. Air Force. 15h00*
Amfreville (50)*
On 04-06-2009*
Phone : 0233410392
10h00 – In honor of the 507th PIR, 508th PIR, & 325th GIR. Laying of flowers at Timmes’ Orchards in presence of the grand-daughter, her husband and the great grandson of General Charles J. Timmes (follow the signs).
12h00 – 14h00 Amfreville Community Center: sales of DVD “D-Day: The Price of Freedom”; pamphlets in French and English for a self-guided Amfreville Historic Walk. Food wagon on the premises for lunch (open to the public). A tent will be set-up and tables and chairs for veterans and their families.
14h00 – 15h00 Amfreville Community Center: Projection of a recent documentary by Tim Gray Media, “Navy Heroes of Normandy” (free and to be confirmed). This film includes testimonies of local people who lived at Utah Beach during the D-Day landings, as well as the inauguration of the D-Day U.S. Navy Monument sculpted by Steven Spears (located on the beach beside the museum).
17h15 Amfreville 507th PIR Memorial Ceremony : Welcome ceremony for veterans with military presence. Special guests include the Staticline Tour and 507th PIR veteran Bob Bearden, who was captured with Colonel Millet at Amfreville. Benediction.
18h00 Refreshments (vin d’honneur) at the Amfreville Community center.
* additional information provided by Vivian Roger of the Association US Normandie “mémoire et gratitude”
Cauquigny near Amfreville (50)
On 04-06-2009
11h00 – Cauquigny : In honor of Company C/1st batallion/325th GIR Private Charles N. DeGlopper “Medal of Honor” recipient … laying of flowers (follow the signs).*
Pont l’Abbé (50)
On 04-06-2009
Memorial ceremony at the 90th’s monument 14h00
Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 04-06-2009
Lecture & Symposium
Phone : 0233715335
Fax : 0233719236
Conference at the Museum du Débarquement (Utah Beach museum), film show and talk. Evening, time TBC.
Sainte Mère-Eglise (50)
On 04-06-2009
19h00< Veteran’s buffet by AVA (friends of American veterans) at Ste. Mère-Eglise. Open to public.
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
http://www.goldbeach.org.uk/english_content/normandy2009.htm
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Colleville sur Mer (14)
04-06-2009 (Thurs), 05-06-2009 (Fri), 09-06-2009 (Tues)
MEETING OF MEMORIES organised by Omaha Beach Tourist Office
http://www.oti-omaha.fr/pages/dday-debarquement-44/284-65e-anniversaire-du-debarquement-.htm
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
A chance to to meet witnesses of the D-Day Landings along a short pedestrian route around Colleville-sur-Mer, the sea front of Omaha Beach between Vierville-on-Sea and St-Laurent-on-Sea, and inland of those towns. Thursday 4, Friday 5 June, Tuesday 9 June : 17h30/19h30. Free but by reservation only via the Tourist offfice (tel. and website above)
Various sites all along the Landing Beaches Coastline
On 05-06-2009
23h00 Fireworks Displays.
In all 25 sites along the coast will have simultaneous fireworks displays at this time including Longues-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin, Colleville-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes, Vierville-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer and Arromanches.
See https://visitnormandy.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/d-day-65-anniversary-fireworks/
Frénouville (14)
On 05-06-2009
Lecture & Symposium
Phone : 0231853882
Jean Quellien, lecture and symposium on the Resistance in the Calvados. 20h00
Colleville Montgomery (14)
On 05-06-2009
10h30 Parade and march past of British Veterans attending with the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA).
11h30 Presentation of commemorative medals on behalf of France to Veterans of NVA (see also Caen on afternoon of 5th June, and Bayeux and Arromanches on 6th June for other events involving NVA).
12h00 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Lancaster Spitfire Hurricane flypast at noon
Caen (14)
On 05-06-2009
Ceremony of Remembrance at the British Garden of Remembrance, Caen Memorial
Phone : 0231304189
Fax : 0231304538
16h00 Parade with British Veterans of the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA). Wreath-laying and Remembrance Ceremony, followed by vin d’honneur at 17h30. Beating the Retreat at 19h00.
(see also Colleville Montgomery on morning of 5th June, and Bayeux and Arromanches on 6th June for other events involving NVA).
Bayeux (14)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 0231920026
British Cemetery Ecumenical religious ceremony. Laying of wreaths. 14H45
Courseulles sur Mer (14)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 02 31 37 46 80
Remembrance Ceremony Courseulles Beach in front of the Winnipeg Rifles monument. 09h00
Office de Tourisme Quintefeuille School open day including exhibits and witness accounts 10:30pm
Candlelight Ceremony at the school’s Canadian monument. 17h30 / 22h00
Centre Juno Beach Museum : Laying of wreaths. 16h00
Bernières sur Mer (14)
On 05-06-2009
National ceremonies by the D-Day Committee – Juno Beach
Phone : 0231920026
17h00: Commemorative ceremony: Flag-raising, Official speeches, Laying wreaths, March past.
18h30: Concert at the Church.
Evening of Souvenir
Phone : 0231964547
20h00 Big screen show – military camp visit – old vehicle parade – candles – poetry reading – music and song from the 40s.
Saint Vaast en Auge (14)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 02.31.79.52.63
15h00 Remembrance of the eleven English and the Canadian soldier who died on D-Day at Saint Vaast En Auge.
Anguerny (14)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
18h00 Ceremony (bilingual) to inaugurate a plaque to pay homage to the Queen’s Own whom Bill Ross spent his first night out with on the Normandy battleground.
Longues sur Mer (14)
On 05-06-2009
“The night they arrived”
Phone : 0231512828
At Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery : 3rd D-Day Festival Theatre, Show & Entertainment.
23h00 Fireworks display will follow the show.
Le Mesnil Patry (14)
On 05-06-2009
Ceremony in the Canadian Memory
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
20h00 Ceremony of commemoration. Bilingual ceremony led by the youngest members of Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association (from 9 to 14 years old).
La Cambe (14)
On 05-06-2009
09h30 Ceremony of Remembrance at the German Cemetery
Arromanches les Bains (14)
On 05-06-2009
Ceremony in memory of the Royal Engineers
Phone : 0231223670
Inauguration of a monument to soldiers of the Royal Engineers. End of afternoon, ring for time TBC.
Jazz concert with Pipe Band in the pedestrianised precinct, end of afternoon.
23h00 Lighting up of the port by fireworks. Theatre Show & Entertainment.
Ranville (14)
On 05-06-2009
Open Day
Phone : 0231781944
For the 65th anniversary of the D-Day and the Battle of Normandy : Open Day at the Pegasus Memorial museum.
Bénouville (14)
On 05-06-2009
Ceremonies
Phone : 0231446201
6.30pm: Reception of British Veterans and their families at the town hall (British military orchestra).
7.30pm: Dinner by invitation only in the multi-purpose-hall.
11.30pm: Ceremony with Veterans at the Major Howard Memorial Monument.
The military charity PROJECT 65 has organised a run to commemorate the operation at Pegasus Bridge in Benouville. 200 runners are running 65 miles from Tarrant Rushton airfield, Dorset, to Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville, Normandy and will be arriving at precisely 0016hrs on 6th June – in the build-up to this a ceremony will be held at the Major Howard Memorial commencing 11.30pm on 5th June.
(Note from ohcassis to the non-military – that’s 16 minutes past midnight on the morning of 6th June, the same time the gliders touched down to attack Pegasus Bridge on this date in 1944)
Fireworks will be set off at approximately 0020hrs on D-Day shortly after the runners arrive.
In the afternoon of 6th June, a new memorial displaying the names of every man involved in the operation will be unveiled at the Memorial Pegasus Museum alongside the original bridge by General Sir Richard Dannatt (Chief of the General Staff).
More information can be found at www.project65.net
Amfreville (50)
On 05-06-2009
“Liberty” Parachute jump 22h30
Organised by the Liberty Jump Team, contact details:
Liberty Jump Team, Inc
1515 Mount Gilead Rd
Roanoke, Tx 76262
817-431-2286
Email: LibertyJumpTeamI@aol.com
http://www.libertyjumpteam.org/
See separate entries for June 4th and 7th
June 4th Angoville au Plain 11h00-16h00
June 5th Amfreville DZ ‘D’ 22h30
June 7th La Fiere -preceding the Military jumps – 12h00
Carentan (50)
On 05-06-2009
Ceremonies and Manifestations
Phone : 0233712350
2.00pm-3.00pm: Parade with 1940’s vehicles.
3.00pm-3.45pm: Peace Concert with 395 children – Town Hall.
5.30pm: Official and religious ceremony.
9.00pm-10.00pm: Folk Ambiance Spectacle – Place de la République.
10.00pm: 1940’s themed dance with Swing Band – Village Hall, open to all, contact Jean Marie Caillard 0233 71 92 74 or 0233 42 19 86.
Négreville (50)
On 05-06-2009
15h00 Ceremony at the town square named in honour of Chris Heisler, 507th PIR. Inauguration of an information panel in honour of Chris Heisler, Orlo Montgomery, George Stout and four others whose chutes failed to open due to low altitude. Followed by refreshments (vin d’honneur) at the town hall.*
Hémevez (50)
On 05-06-2009
15h00 Ceremony at the church graveyard in honor of the seven 507th PIR soldiers who were killed there. Inauguration of an information panel. Vin d’honneur to follow at the salle polyvalente.
Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 05-06-2009
Bourse militaire
Phone : 0608452465
Militaria fair and exchange. 8h00 / 16h00
14h30 Official greeting of Veterans at the Airborne Museum
Orglandes (50)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 0233410199
Fax : 0233012639
Remembrance Ceremony. 9h30
Quinéville (50)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 0233214029
Civil ceremony with the US paratroopers, veterans. With music, speech and wreath laying. Parade in the city. 16h00
Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 05-06-2009
Theatre, Show & Entertainment
Phone : 0233715335
Fax : 0233719236
Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach: videos, international military music concert. 20h00 / 23h00
Fireworks at Utah Beach. 23h00
Chef du Pont (50)
On 05-06-2009
Phone : 0233414318
13h00 Picnic lunch organised by the AVA and Fêtes comittee.
15h00 Memorial ceremony in Square Rex Combe.
St-Come-du-Mont (50)
On 05-06-2009 to 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233420042
Three day outdoor exhibition nearby the Dead Man’s Corner museum. The 3rd Battalion of the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division, Airborne Medics Airborne War Correspondents & Special Motion Pictures Unit will be represented.
Picauville (50)
On 05-06-2009
Inauguration of Monument
Phone : 02.33.41.00.18
Fax : 02.33.41.07.98
11h30 Association Picauville inauguration of monument to the USAF with a model of a C47 near the church.
11h00-11h30 Flyover by USAF.
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
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Colleville sur Mer (14)
06-06-2009
14h00 – 14h30 American Cemetery Official memorial ceremony, religious service and laying of wreaths. Due to heightened security surrounding the attendance of President Obama, access to the cemetery requires a special pass from the US embassy.
Condé sur Vire (50)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0233778730
Fax : 023377873
10h00 : commemorative mass
11h00 – 12.00 : war memorial ceremony, vin d’honneur
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Music & Concert
Phone : 0231512400
Fax : 0231512409
Picnic and free concert. 19h00
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
Putot en Auge (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231791116
18h30 : From the Mairie – march with English veterans and families. Ceremony in English. Wreath laying to the dead. Speech by Major Watson. Ceremony at the memorial to the 6th Airborne.
Bernières sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231964547
8.00am: Wreath laying for Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and bilingual discourse in front of Canada House. Ceremony repeated at 22h00 in same place with projection of war images on wall of Canada House.
9am: Wreath laying – at the stèle of 14th Artillery Rgt.
Ouistreham (14)
On 06-06-2009
Wreath laying at the War Memorial and at the Cemetery
Phone : 0231968493
Timetable to be confirmed.
Asnelles-Port en Bessin (14)
On 06-06-2009
“In the footsteps of the 47th British commando”
From 9am until 5pm, a 13 mile long walk in the footsteps of the British soldiers who liberated Port-en-Bessin, on the 7th June. Picnic at Longues-sur-Mer with a jazz concert, a talk describing the story of D-Day and a chance to meet with the veterans of the 47th British commando. Bring your own picnic and wear walking shoes.
Organised by Bayeux-Bessin tourist office.
Creully (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : +44 01672 540356
11h00 Commemorative ceremony at the 4th/7th royal Dragoon Guards memorial in presence of guards.
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards: tel +44 (0)1672 540356
Bayeux (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : +44 (0)1 3325151
11h30 Parade of British Veterans attending with the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA) at the British cemetery. 800 Veterans will be expected. See also Arromanches later in the day, and Caen and Colleville Montgomery on 5th June for other NVA events.
Phone : 0231512828
19h00 Evening celebrations in Place de Gaulle to celebrate the first city in France to be liberated. Food and drink, entertainment, London Community gospel choir. In the presence of Veterans.
Ver sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231222086
Ceremonies with wreath laying at British Memorials:
The 2nd Battalion the Hertfordshire Regiment Memorial and the 50th (Northumbrian) Division Artillery Memorial. Time TBC.
09h15 Commemorative ceremony at the 4th/7th royal Dragoon Guards.
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards: tel +44 (0)1672 540356
GOLD BEACH medal presentation to British Veterans. 11h15
Place Amiral Byrd, in front of the stele dedicated to the Civilian Victims. 11h45
10h00 to 18h00 joint British-American military camp recreation on Ave. 6 juin.
Centre Saint-Exupéry. Fiona Harrisson and Lili Jazz in concert for D-Day. Free. 21h00
Arromanches les Bains (14)
On 06-06-2009
Parade
Phone : 0231223431
10h00 Parade for the 18th Communications Regiment in presence of English Veterans and Cadets, together with the Cdt Kieffer ‘s military preparation from Villeneuve St George.
11h00 Open air mass in front of the Musée du Débarquement.
11h50 Inauguration of the Beckett Space Exhibition in the Musée du Débarquement.
12h00 Remembrance Ceremony in front of the stele of the Musée du Débarquement with veterans.
15h00 Jazz concert in the streets and Place du 6 juin.
16h00 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Lancaster Spitfire Hurricane flypast over Arromanches landing beaches
16h00 onwards: Presentation of official Commemorative Medals on behalf of France to veterans attending with the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA) followed by Parade at approx. 18h00. See also Bayeux earlier in the day, and Caen and Colleville Montgomery on 5th June for other NVA events.
19h00 – 22h00 Pipe Band Concert in place 6 juin. Musical show by “the Big Band sur Mer”.
23h00 Fireworks display on the seafront followed by laser lights display over the Mulberry Harbour remains.
Tilly sur Seulles (14)
On 06-06-2009
Concert of the Liberation Day Music & Concert
Phone : 0607594602
Recreation of a military encampment and military vehicle display.
21h00 Concert organized by the Tilly 1944 Association and the Events Committee.
Bénouville (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231446201
11.30pm on 5th June: Ceremony with Veterans at the Major Howard Memorial Monument.
The military charity PROJECT 65 has organised a run to commemorate the operation at Pegasus Bridge in Benouville. 200 runners are running 65 miles from Tarrant Rushton airfield, Dorset, to Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville, Normandy and will be arriving at precisely 0016hrs on 6th June – in the build-up to this a ceremony will be held at the Major Howard Memorial commencing 11.30pm on 5th June.
(Note from ohcassis to the non-military – that’s 16 minutes past midnight on the morning of 6th June, the same time the gliders touched down to attack Pegasus Bridge on this date in 1944)
Fireworks will be set off at approximately 0020hrs on D-Day shortly after the runners arrive.
In the afternoon of 6th June, a new memorial displaying the names of every man involved in the operation will be unveiled at the Memorial Pegasus Museum alongside the original bridge by General Sir Richard Dannatt (Chief of the General Staff).
More information can be found at www.project65.net
12.30pm: Parade from the Town Hall to Pegasus Bridge.
12.45pm: Ceremony at Major Howard Esplanade, speech and wreath laying at the Monument.
1.00pm: A walk on the Pegasus Bridge.
1.05pm: Ceremony at the religious monument in front of the Town Hall, with Veterans.
Carentan (50)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0233712350
10am: Historical Tour in bus (contact number above for details).
11am: “Les Accro’chants” in concert – Village Hall.
2pm-3.30pm: Historical Tour – 1940’s vehicles.
4pm: Concert. 5pm: Fashion show (40’s).
6pm and 9.30pm : The paratroop drops advertised on other sites HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
9pm: Concert.
11pm: Fireworks.
Saint Laurent sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
14h00 – 14h30 American Cemetery Official memorial ceremony, religious service and laying of wreaths. Also listed under “Colleville” above. Due to heightened security surrounding the attendance of President Obama, access to the cemetery requires a special pass from the US embassy.
23h00 Lights display spectacle at monument des Braves.
OMAHA BEACH PICNIC
This has attracted for a few years more than 1200 people. For its 5th birthday, the Normandy Day picnic will be framed by other key events: procession of military vehicles of the MVT, music. 15h00 onwards until fireworks display.
3.30pm Laying of wreaths at the war monument.
23.00: fireworks display on beach
St-Come-du-Mont (50)
On 05-06-2009 to 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233420042
Second day of three day outdoor exhibition nearby the Dead Man’s Corner museum. The 3rd Battalion of the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division, Airborne Medics Airborne War Correspondents & Special Motion Picture
Saint Martin de Varreville (50)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0233414233
09h00 Open-air ceremony to those lost at sea on D-Day – on Utah Beach at Saint Martin de Varreville, precise spot depends on tides.
Angoville au Plain (50)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0233719958
10h30 Memorial Ceremony – church service, laying of flowers at 501st PIR Memorial.
Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0276306290
11h00 “Organisations Ducs de Normandie Chapter-Rouen” gathering of 120 Harley Davidsons at place de l’église de Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
11h00 Presentation of “Legions of Honour” at the Airborne Museum with French and American government representatives, with German, French and American military bands.
11.h00 Memorial ceremony at the Angelo Chatas monument.
Phone : 0233412139
12h00 / 14h00 Normandy Day lunch in church square at Sainte-Mère-Eglise with music from Cocktail Swing.
13h00-13.30 South Dakota State Choir concert
Phone : 0233413118
14h00 Peace ceremony at the “Borne 0” marker at Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
Phone : 0296733258
16h00 MVCG Bretagne “Elvis Presley” music entertainment on the horse ground of Sainte-Mère-Eglise).
Phone : 0233413118
18h00 to 19h00 Soirée and Peace concert.
18h30 & 18h45 82nd and 101st Airborne Monument: Wreath laying at monument followed by concert at the Church.
19h00 Concert for Peace in the church
Phone : 0233080198
19h30 Barbecue in the covered market at Sainte-Mère-Eglise (by the AVA).
Phone : 0233413118
20h00 to 23h00 Music followed by fireworks in the church square à Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
Courseulles sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 02 31 37 32 17 or Michel Lebaron 02 31 23 51 55
Ceremony including the inauguration of a monument in honour of the Canadian Navy and the inauguration of the temporary exhibit “We Were There”, dedicated to 12 Canadian veterans, in their presence. 10h00
Musical Parade Music & Concert. 16h00
Torchlight Procession with military vehicles of the Keep Them Rolling Association. 22h30
Asnelles (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231512828
A walk in the footsteps of the 47th British Commando who liberated Port-en-Bessin. 09h00 to 17h00
Saint Charles de Percy (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231669103
Memorial ceremony in honour of Allied forces and in presence of Veterans. 10h45
Amayé sur Orne (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231804345
The pupils of the school have corresponded with Welsh Veterans all this year. They organize a picnic for them. Music and dancing of the 40s’. 17h00
Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 06-06-2009
Inauguration of a monument at Les Droueries, between St Come-du-Mont and Ste Marie-du-Mont, in memory of 2nd Lt George E Schmidt, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. In attendance veterans, serving paratroopers and US air force personnel, reenactors from France, Belgium and England and local dignitaries. For more information, contact Irish Dave at: david.ashe@orange.fr
Phone : 0233210033
11h00 In tribute to Angelo Chatas at Utah Beach. Ceremony organised by “The Friends of the D-Day” Association. Also listed under Sainte Mère-Eglise above.
Phone : 0231920026
17h00 Official ceremony at the American Monument flag-raising, official speeches, laying of wreaths, march past.
Tournières (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231229480
Mairie At the stele established to the memory of the General Eisenhower who held his first base camp at “Bailleul” in Tournières from June 10th, 1944. 10h
Bernières sur Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
Ceremony in front of the Canada House, first building freed by the Canadians on June 6, 1944. Organized on the initiative of the Regiment of Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, with the assistance of Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. It is the first official and bilingual Ceremony of June 6 in the Juno area. 08h00
Bonneville la Louvet (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231647434
09h00-18h00 : parade of military vehicles from 1939/1945 in various communes –
Blangy Le Chateau
Le Brévédent
Les Authieux sur Calonne
St André d’Hébertot
St Philbert des Champs.
21h00 : American themed dinner (reservation) behind the Mairie followed by big screen projection of Allied disembarkation and Battle of Normandy scenes.
____________________________________________________________________
Tilly sur Seulles (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 06-07-59-46-02
Bookfair, organised by the Tilly 1944 association in charge of the Museum of the Battle of Tilly sur Seulles, will gather numerous specialised publishers, authors and booksellers from France and abroad who will come and present, sign and sell their books about D-Day and the battle of Normandy. 09h30/19h00
Recreation of British encampment, military vehicle display.
Cintheaux (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231235155
Ceremony at Canadian Cemetery at Cintheaux 10h30
Honfleur (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0683941351
Ceremony at the stèle des Alliés, Quai de la Quarantaine. Anthems, wreaths. Historic military vehicles. With Veterans of 6 Airborne. 11 h 00
Saint Martin de Fontenay (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 06 61 99 36 02
Inauguration of a commemorative plaque to the Fusiliers Mont-Royal. Ceremony will take place where the youngest Canadian soldier was killed during the World War II. Remembrance Ceremony organized by the Forum 39-45 “A World in War” and the Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. 09h30
Esquay Notre Dame (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231080331
Road D8 – Coast 112 stele
Ceremony with the Royal British Legion and British Veterans. 2 trees will be planted by the Veterans and the children of the village. 11h00
Arromanches les Bains (14)
On 07-06-2009
Jazz concert Music & Concert
Phone : 0231223431
Jazz concert with an american group. 15h00
Parade with military and collector’s vehicles, with music. 16h00
Ver sur Mer (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231222086
10h00 to 18h00 joint British-American military camp recreation on Ave. 6 juin.
Bénouville (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231446201
Concert of the Music School of Ouistreham “Big Band”. 18h00 (tbc)
At the 4 Commando Memorial Stele: with the Veterans of Cdt Kieffer. Speech and wreath laying. 15h30
Carentan (50)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233712350
09h00 Brothers in Arms March 5th year. A walk following the route taken by the 101st Airborne. 18 km trail across the Normandy countryside.
2.00pm-3.00pm: Historical Bus Tour – with 1940’s vehicles.
3.00pm: Concert – Place de la République.
4.00pm: Re-enactment of the parade after the D-Day.
5.00pm: Holland American Legion Band Concert – Centre of the city.
Verrières (61)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : +44 01672 540356
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards at the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Memorial. 10h00
Lingèvres (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : +44 01672 540356
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards at the 50th Division Memorial in memory of the Durham Light Infantry, the Essex Regiment and the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. 11h00
Lison (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231221744
“The railwaymen during the Resistance” Exhibition in tribute to the Resistants, STO, Veterans.
Port en Bessin Huppain (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231512828
At the Docks: “Picnic of the Liberation” – great musical picnic. 13h00
Bayeux (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231512828
10am: Exhibition of vehicles (MVCG France) – Place Gauquelin Despallières.
15-16h00: In the center of Bayeux: Parade of 250 1940’s vehicles (MVCG France).
Sainte Mère Eglise and La Fière (50)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233413118
09h00 Memorial ceremony at the stèle (grave site) near stadium of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
9h30 Notre Dame de la Paix open air memorial mass taken by the bishop of Coutances and Avranches.
11h30-13h00 (depending on wind conditions) Liberty Jump Team parachute drop at la Fière. See LJT website http://www.libertyjumpteam.org
(see also June 4th Angoville au Plain 11h00-16h00 and June 5th Amfreville DZ ‘D’ 22h30)
1400-1545 (depending on wind conditions) Military parachute drop (USA, France, Germany, Canada, Finland) at la Fière. 7 planes, several hundred of static line parachutists and 50 free-fallers.
16h00 Ceremony at the “Iron Mike de la Fière” Monument at la Fière.
17h00 Official welcome to Veterans and Parachutists in town centre (church square) of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
19h00 Liberty dinner organised by the AVA in the covered market of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Price 22€ in advance.
Sainte Marie du Mont (50)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233715800
Music Concert church of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Evening TBC.
St-Come-du-Mont (50)
On 05-06-2009 to 07-06-2009
Phone : 0233420042
Last day of three day outdoor exhibition nearby the Dead Man’s Corner museum. The 3rd Battalion of the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division, Airborne Medics Airborne War Correspondents & Special Motion Picture
07-06-2009 only
Contact: Michel de Trez 02 33 42 00 42
10h00 : 500 Paratroops of the ‘BIA March’ gather in the village for the ceremony to Joe Beyrle. Arrival of US Veterans and Honour Guard.
15h15 : Marchers arrive at «Dead Man’s Corner Museum» to form up for final phase.
15h45 : Marchers move down Purple Heart Lane in formation to Carentan.
Lison (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231221744
The train of Liberty – visit the train and the Pacific 231 engine during its stay in Lison. Commemorative ceremony. TBC
Longueville (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231227190
St Manvieu Church (time to be confirmed).
Périers sur le Dan (14)
On 07-06-2009
Phone : 0231444401
Ceremony in the presence of about 200 military with Veterans and local representatives. 11h00
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sainte Mère Eglise (50)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 0233210033
17h00 Parade by the MVCG France Association (Military Vehicles Conservation Group) and static display in the church square.
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 0231512400
Wreath laying Monument aux Morts 11h00
Church St-Georges d’Isigny sur Mer, memorial mass at 12h15
Militaria fair and display of 250 military vehicles with parade. Time TBC.
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
Tilly sur Seulles (14)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 0607594602
Display of 25 vehicles of the “Gold Beach 60 years on” Association. 10h45
Trungy (14)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 0231216429
“The Garrison” military recontruction company parade – part of an 80km circuit.
10h30 : Convoy arrives.
11h30 : Mayor’s speech and vin d’honneur.
12h15 : Convoy moves off.
Longueville (14)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 0231224555
10am: Convoy of vehicles. Departure from Omaha Beach.
3pm: Re-enactment at the St Manvieu church.
4pm: at the War Monument.
Bretteville l’Orgueilleuse (14)
On 08-06-2009
Phone : 33(0)6.61.99.36.02
Ceremony, on the initiative of the War Veterans of Bretteville L’Orgueilleuse, led by the children of the elementary school and the pupils of Victor Lépine School of Caen and of the young members of Westlake Brothers Souvenir Association. 18h30 or 19h00.
____________________________________________________________________
Colleville sur Mer (50)
04-06-2009 (Thurs), 05-06-2009 (Fri), 09-06-2009 (Tues)
MEETING OF MEMORIES organised by Omaha Beach Tourist Office
http://www.oti-omaha.fr/pages/dday-debarquement-44/284-65e-anniversaire-du-debarquement-.htm
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
A chance to to meet witnesses of the D-Day Landings along a short pedestrian route around Colleville-sur-Mer, the sea front of Omaha Beach between Vierville-on-Sea and St-Laurent-on-Sea, and inland of those towns. Thursday 4, Friday 5 June, Tuesday 9 June : 17h30/19h30. Free but by reservation only via the Tourist offfice (tel. and website above)
Bricquebec (50)
On 09-06-2009
Phone : 0241616151
Parade of 1940’s vehicles organized by MVCG France. TBC
Lison (14)
On 09-06-2009
Phone : 0231228245
Ceremony in the memory of the military hospital. 11h00
Isigny sur Mer (14)
On 04-06-2009 to 10-06-2009
Recreation of an Allied encampment with military vehicles etc. by the FFMVCG
____________________________________________________________________
Vierville sur Mer (14)
On 13-06-2009
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
OMAHA BEACH
Visits of Omaha Beach organized for handicapped people (including facilities for wheelchairs and blind): presentation of the site and chronology of D-day. A witness of D Day will accompany the groups and will answer questions. By reservation only. Departure car park monument of the American guard in front of the sea.
10.00/12.00 am and 2.00/4.00 pm
____________________________________________________________________
Barneville Carteret (50)
On 18-06-2009
Phone : 0233049058
Ceremony at the monument to commemorate the Cotentin cut off. In the presence of Veterans and elected representatives. 18h00
Ouistreham (14)
On 18-06-2009
Phone : 0231968493
Ceremony for the anniversary of the Appeal of June 18th by General de Gaulle. TBC
____________________________________________________________________
Montormel (61)
On 20-06-2009
Phone : 0233673861
Mémorial de Montormel battlefield visit with a guide and veterans on the theme “262 Nord”. Reservation. 14h30
____________________________________________________________________
Beaucoudray (50)
On 21-06-2009
Phone : 0233450777
9am: Meeting at the Monument in the memory of the 11 from the Resistant shoot at the Village “Le Bois”.
9:15am: Mass.
11am: Ceremony with the presence of mayor, families and the Veterans Associations.
Potigny (14)
On 21-06-2009
Phone : 0231908467
Ceremony with the Potigny, Soumont St Quentin, Bons-Tassilly Veterans Association, the 1st Polish Armoured Division Veterans Association, “Devoir de Mémoire” and the 1st Polish Armoured National Souvenir Association. TBC
____________________________________________________________________
Montormel (61)
On 26-06-2009
Phone : 0233673861
Mémorial de Montormel open air exhibition of the works of the artist Benoît Delomez.
____________________________________________________________________
Cagny (14)
On 03-07-2009
Phone : 02 31 85 38 82
Symposioum on Operation Goodwood, the largest tank battle. 20h00
Cuverville (14)
On 04-07-2009
Phone : 02 31 85 38 82
Self-drive trail of the main battlegrounds of Operation Goodwood following a guide. 3€. 14h00
Montormel (61)
On 25-07-2009
Phone : 0233673861
Mémorial de Montormel – guided visit of the battlefield, on the theme “Tournai sur Dives”. Reservation. 14h30
Ouistreham (14)
On 28-07-2009
Phone : 0231968493
2pm: Wreath laying at the War Memorial.
2.30pm: Wreath laying at the cemetery.
Cintheaux (14)
On 09-08-2009
Phone : 0231235155
Liberation ceremony for Cintheaux, South Caen, Falaise, Mont Ormel. 10h30
Honfleur (14)
On 23-08-2009
Phone : 0683941351
Ceremony with veterans of the Brigade Piron, liberators of the town. 11h30
Tournai sur Dive (61)
On 23-08-2009
Phone : 0233671870
11h30: Picnic.
13h30: At the Monument “Miroir des Ames”: Departure for a 10km walk all along the Death Corridor. A stop will be made at Saint-Lambert. Finish at 17h00.
Potigny (14)
On 23-08-2009
Phone : 0231908467
Ceremony with the Potigny, Soumont St Quentin, Bons-Tassilly Veterans Association, the 1st Polish Armoured Division Veterans Association, “Devoir de Mémoire” and the 1st Polish Armoured National Souvenir Association. TBC
Montormel (61)
On 12-09-2009
Phone : 0233673861
Mémorial de Montormel visit of the battlefield with a guide, veterans and witnesses of events, on the theme “La Dives et ses points de passage”. Reservation. 14h30
____________________________________________________________________
* Acknowledgment for additional information provided by Vivian Roger – secretary of the Association US Normandie “mémoire et gratitude”. Contact vivianroger@orange.fr
1st until 8th June
Photo exhibition “Our Dear Deceased US Veterans” in Amfreville, Salle des fêtes
2nd until 9th June
Reconstruction of US military camps in Sate Mère Eglise and Sainte Marie du Mont Utah Beach and D913
Visit Normandy-Pays de la Loire 
yes my uncle PFC Elsworth M Heck was one of the paratroopers from the 507 that was executed at
Hemevez. My mom who was his sister had just
found out this past summer that he was actually executed
instead of being shot down. Any info or if you know
of any veterans or town people that i could talk to
would be appreciated. You can email at the above email
address. t
Thank You
Deborah Barker
fantastic information for past years celebrations and it has given us many places to visit, that we have missed on prvious trips! we are going out to Normandy again in 2011 for the celebrations. am I too early for details on what is happening ? as i cannot seem to find anything? or is the info provided for 2011?
As it’s not a “big number” anniversary, the events in 2011 will not be on the scale of 2009 for the 65th anniversary. However, there will be commemorations at sites throughout Normandy, as there are every year.
My grandfather fought on D-Day, but he died on 2007, he landed on Omaha Beach Dog Green Sector… He was on the 2nd wave at the beach… My dream is go to normandy and see every place where the allies fought and gave their lifes… and see where my grandfather fought too…
hello there everyone please help ,
I watched on BBC news channel..the coverage of the 65th D-Day anniversary.
There in front of Gold Beach around 1pm..there was a French Pipe Band playing some music….it was amazing really..
I know its a vague request..but would anyone know who this was…and also what the music was??
Please help
James
Hi James,although i didn’t see the actual live perfomance i believe the band was the SOMME BATTLEFIELD PIPE BAND based in ALBERT on the somme
Hi, James, Well at least the band Music was acceptible.
Just who in God’s name thought to sendCadets from the various forces in representation? Their marching was so terrible it was an affront to everyone.I know they were only youngsters,but why oh why didn’t their C.O. at least give them some “Square bashing” before the event to get them in coordination?I cringed at the spectacle.
Then came the Politicians, full of their own importance,including the President of the Veteran’s Association,all safely ensconced in a sheltered pavillion whilst those grand old veterans who were both there to be honoured, as well as honouring their fallen comrades, were at their advanced years kept waiting in the wind and rain.That was indeed a most shameful act by the organisers,especially so as it will likely be the last time these heroes meet.
Gordon Brown then had the affrontory to say how much he valued their sacrifice!!!
The veterans deserved better!!!
Years ago I purchased a flag at an upscale auction and was told that it was a D-Day flag. This is not a typical American flag. It has a red border with vertical blue and white stripes. I am hoping someone will have some information for me about this. Thank you.
I went to D-Day 60, just on my own, I met veterans and like minded people of all ages, I had the best time of my life and the weather was amazing to us all.
I wish I was there now for 65, however i am now a Dad and sadly can’t make it.
I hope there is a D-Day 70, so I can bring my son William (who will be 6 by then) with me and show him what all those brave chaps did.
Does anyone know if there will be a D-Day 70 ?
I went to the 60th anniversary by ferry from Portsmouth to Ouistreham with my bike and I was glad I did.
The coastal roads were very busy and congested. Likewise the area around Pegasus Bridge. Using the canal towpath and the coastal path I saw so much in 2 days.
I know this won’t be possible for many, but if you want to avoid queues then 2 wheels is the best option.
Pres. Bush was in Arromanche on one day and you couldn’t get near the town. On the following day I took a minor inland road eastwards and couldn’t understand a) why it was so quiet and b) why there where police and soldiers on every corner. I worked out eventually that this was the route a VIP was to take!
Moral – get a good map which shows all the lanes and by-roads e.g Michelin Calvados, Manche. you might need it to avoid the jams
Hello. I have been lucky enough to have been chosen as one of the US paratroopers to participate in the jump into Sainte Mère Eglise. I am really looking forward to meet many of our veterans. If I get to make this jump, I will have made all the requirements for my senior rated parachutist wings. I am hopeing to arrange for one of the veteran paratroops to pin an old set of senior rated jump wings on my chest. It would be a great honor.
Hi – I am cycling across France from Port Bail to Ouistreham on night of June 5th – what time is your parachute jump?
I have my military rounds ‘wings’ after jumping in Holland 5 years ago.
All the very best for the remembrance day activities
Vic
I will be staying in Ouistreham on the 5th and 6th, with mom & dad and my boyfreind. We were there also for the 60th, what a fantistic time. We had my grandad with us then too, Dennis Mason (13th/18th hussars). Sadly he is no longer with us for this trip, but i know his spirit will be there with us again. Im so looking forward to the celebrations and the fun, but mainly to remembering all the men (and women) who fought and died for us.
Liz x x
BBMF
I believe the following are correct for fly pasts in June
Colleville Montgomery
Lancs Spitfire & Hurricane Fly past 12.00 on 5th
Arromanches
Lancs Spitfire and Hurricane Fly past 16.00 on 6th
Times may well vary a little on the day. I hope this helps.
DFC
Also:
Ranville
Dakota Para drop 08.45 on 5th
Dakota pass over Stadium 12.00 on 6th
Dakota pass over Cemetery 15.30 on 6th
Pegasus Bridge
Dakota pass 15.40 on 6th
Breville
Dakota Para drop 17.20 on 5th
Thanks, Donald – the BBMF events tie in with what I gathered from their website, but I had no record of times, so I’ve added those to the event details in the list.
I’m not sure about the Dakota events you mention – the Liberty Jump Team have given me details of their jumps and these are listed as:
June 4th Angoville au Plain 11h00-16h00
June 5th Amfreville DZ ‘D’ 22h30
June 7th La Fiere -preceding the Military jumps – 12h00
Their jumps on the 6th June were cancelled early on.
Is there another Dakota being used by another jump team?
I am ex RAF aircrew Bombr Command -completed two tours of operations 1943/1945
I joined the RAF as a volunteer reserve in 1939 serving my first two years with 71 OTU at RAF Khartoum then posted to Ismalia & Cairo. returning in 1943 for aircrew training in U.K joined 218 Sqdn flying Stirlings from Woolfox Lodge Lincolnshire-her my regular bombing missions were disrupted by “D-Day” also the date of my planned wedding ! June 6th. 1944- we were surprisingly diverted to an American base absolutely jammed with Gliders and Dakota towing aircraft – we were detailed to tow a glider with the main stream – ” the very first time we had towed a glider”” we prudently did not inform the American airborne troops of this fact ! ! ! – I would have been much more comfortable “walking-down-the-isle” with my bride.
My second tour was with 75 New Zealand Sqdn flying Lancasters-here I was involved with the loss of Glen Miller incident in Dec 15th 1944-flying to Paris to arrange a band concerty for his American troops. the only time in 64 missions we had to jettison our entire bomb-load and some observor claimed that he saw our bombs hit Glen Miller’s two-seater Norseman
I have recently published my auto-biography and cover these incidents. A TRUE EPIC AGAINST ALL THE ODDS OF SURVIVAL available direct from the author :-
RON BROWN
“KEYTOPS” 6, GORDON BRAE BERRY HILL PARK
MANSFIELD NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NG18 4RW
@ £10 PLUS £2 SHIPPING AND HANDLING.
SIGNED AND DESPATCHED BY RETURN
TITLED “PER-ARDUA-AD-ASTRA”
Kind regards to all Ron Brown (88 years young)
The RAF BBMF plan to do a “fly past” on the 6th but I can find no details of locations. Can you help please?
DFC
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have the following flights scheduled:
26 May Spitfire flypast Gold Beach and Pegasus Bridge
5 June Lancaster Spitfire Hurricane flypast Colleville Montgomery landing beaches 12h00 noon
6 June Lancaster Spitfire Hurricane flypast Arromanches landing beaches 16h00
I don’t have more details, but here is the phone number for the BBMF enquiries 01400 266328. Perhaps if you find out more you could let us know?
http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/
Hi there
I am hoping to scatter my Dads ashes on the DZ at ranville this year and quite a number of his friends & comrades will be arriving to watch. I was planning to be somewhere around Ecarde to do this.
Have you any idea if this area will be restricted access on the 6th or where the info may be available.
Also have you any idea if i need any pernmissions to do this from anybody.
Be grateful for any info or guidance you can offer on the subject.
Regards
Nick
Contact the Mayor of the commune concerned. You will probably require permission to do what you are planning.
does anyone know when and where the 82nd Airborne Division will jump in on jun 6, 09?
Hi Eric
I’m not sure about the 65th – but I can tell you that for the 60th they parachuted into St. Mere Eglise on June 5th in the afternoon. They also had a great street party that evening.
The only military jump I’ve heard of around that date is Sainte Mère Eglise and La Fière (50) on 07-06-2009 (see listing above)
Omaha Beach Ceremony
As of today I received word that the French are no longer handling the Omaha Beach ceremony due to Obama’s visit. For the 60th Anniversary we had already turned in paperwork by this time for each of us attending in order to receive badges. Here we are about 3 weeks out and no one has any idea what to do or who to contact.
My father is 85 years old and we had to convince him to take this trip. What happens if we can’t even attend the very ceremony we have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours preparing to attend? Can anyone help or explain what to do?
Thanks!!
Carolyn
I have seen Internet rumours that Obama’s visit will mean cancellation of events etc. I have not found any official source to confirm this – if anyone has one I would appreciate a heads-up.
Most of these rumours seem to spring from anti-Obama forums and blogs.
With Obama visiting there will be increased security, which is a pain in the bum, but that’s not the same.
I don’t know what paperwork you refer to, but if you are worried and need reassurance/confirmation then contact the Office de Tourisme and/or Mairie (town hall) for the events in question – they will have the latest information.
I’ve posted links to Mairies and OT elsewhere.
The latest REAL news is here: http://tiny.cc/NV6pa .
Basically, Obama to visit US cemetary and beach at Colleville. No other events have been confirmed as part of his visit or likely to be affected.
As far as I can ascertain, nowhere has it been announced that the American cemetary will be completely closed to other visitors on the day of Obama’s visit, other than on rabid and crackpot blogs and forums – though I can understand if it is to be closed a short time during his visit.
I don’t think anyone on the French end can help me. In fact, it was someone from the Secretary’s office at Comite du debarquement who told me that we would have to contact the State Department to help us. When I asked for a contact name his response was ” sorry but we don’t work with the State Department …Take your chance on the phone”
The paperwork for the 60th involved filling out forms with names of each person in our party, passport #’s, information on my dad (the veteran), etc. .
I have given a list of names of who will attend, and that’s it. I don’t feel comfortable showing up for this event without some certainty. I have e-mailed the Department of Defense and will let you know what I hear from them in order to help others.
Thanks!!
Good grief. I thought French paperwork was bad! Good luck.
Thank You for your kind reply Re Ranville. I am aware of the events listed for Benouville but this is a different commune, even if only 3 kms away. In 2004 in Ranville there were many events including Parades by French commandos, Dutch commando war veterans, the Army Air Corpse Band beat retreat, the Parachute Regiment made a Drum Head Alter and the Bishop of London led a Memorial Service. It seems strange that so little is taking place this year: though it could be that they are letting their sister commune, Benouville, have the honours. Never the less if you have any further information I would be pleased to hear from you. Kind regards DFC
If anyone knows of any events SPECIFICALLY for Ranville please let me know and I’ll be happy to add them. However, I already checked the commune’s website and under ceremonies for 6 and 7 June there are just the usual depot de gerbes and vins d’honneur, as you’ll find in most small villages. http://www.ranville.fr/index.php?rub=agenda&agenda_ordre=1&id_agenda=52
I will be attending and writing about some of the D-Day anniversary activities in June. I am going to get the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, where I will I be based for June 5-7. I am wondering if there are any buses or transportation from Caen to D-Day events throughout the region? If not, is there anyone else who will be based in Caen who will be driving to events that has room for a passenger?
My contact with http://www.normandiememoire.com gave me the following information on bus transportation in Caen:
http://www.busverts.fr/_hiver/
On the opening page you will find the following links (including the translation in English if needed):
“Plan du réseau” means: map of the bus lines
“Vos horaires” means: timetable
“Les tarifs et points de vente” means: prices and sell points
“Les bus sur réservation” means: booking a bus
“Le service Taxibus” means: Taxibus service
“Objets perdus/trouvés” means: lost or found objects in buses
They do not have an English translation on the site.
I hope that helps you out.
For translating foreign webpages there’s a useful Google gadget http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=EN. Input the URL (the address that appears in the little window at the top of your web browser) in the appropriate space and it translates the whole page for you. Make sure you set the ‘from’ language first.
Hi Rob – re requests for a lift I’ll be with cousin in the area doing the same thing from the 6th to the 9th. Let me know if you’re still in need of transport. Dave
may i just suggest that people questioning the lack of american events should read the above list more carefully, as there are more things going on in the US sectors than there are in the British or Canadian.
regards
chris
A very good and useful site. Do you know of any events at Ranville? At the 60th there were many over 3 days including a para drop and Memorial service. Many Thanks
DFC
Yes, there are – off the top of my head look under Ranville and Benouville for instance on 5th and 6th June.
Great website. Thanks. Is there any way you know of, for getting to any of the sites / celebrations by public transport from, say, Caen, particularly the 5th, 6th, or 7th June?
Not aware of any public transport. If anyone knows different, post a comment.
I would say you need to get your own transportation from Caen to somewhere like Bayeux. I have been told that by the 1st of May there should be information about bus transportation to the actual ceremony sites (ie: Omaha Beach, etc.) This came from the Normandie Memoire personnel. I am waiting to hear about that myself. Hope this helps.
Hi, as many other people I’m going to visit Normandy at the 65th anniversary of D-day. I’m only a bit lost as there are so many events going on that I don’t know which ones are the most important to attend and if I need to book anything beforehand or just turn up. Could you help me in any way? Where to start (I’ve been thinking about Jutah beach and carry on to the east.
thank you for your involvement in this matter :))
To anyone else having the same problem – narrow it down by looking only at the dates you’ll be there, then towns near where you are staying or sites that have a personal/family interest.
For my personal view on the most interesting sites to visit, at any time, not just during the anniversary this year, see http://www.normandie-chambres.co.uk/beaches.html
With your permission, we would like to make this our official D Day 65th Anniversary site.
Radio Bracknell dotcom
Permission granted. Pleased to be of service.
The RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be seen in Normandy during the commemorations.
May 26th – Spitfire flypast at Gold Beach and Pegasus Bridge then proceeding to Carpiquet (presumably for fuel)
June 5th and 6th – flypast by 2 Spitfires, Lancaster and the Dakota. Staying overnight on the 5th at Carpiquet.
The BBMF website has no further details about timings or (for the June ones) exact locations. Presumablt they will be timed to coincide with events on the ground.
I’ll post more when available.
Fantastic – thanks, Chris. I’ll check this out with BBMF and if I can flesh it out, I’ll make a special feature of it.
It depends what “tour events” you mean. Most of the events listed here are okay for people to turn up on spec, except where the need to reserve is indicated.
would love to visit the beaches on d-day this year, im only 16 and this would me my first time.
just wondering, do you think any of the tour events etc would still have spaces?
See contact details above for Vivian Richard of the Friends of American Veterans.
vivianroger@orange.fr
Not sure where to start …
My American girlfriend’s father is a veteran of D-Day at Omaha Beach. I beilieve he was a much decorated soldier in the years he fought.
I live in London (I’m English) with my girlfriend and her father lives in Dallas, Texas and we were planning on bringing him over to ‘celebrate’ the 65th anniversary.
How do I get him in to the events so he can be on the ‘front line’ of proceedings? Do I go thru the US Embassy maybe or the US veterans association based in the UK, if there is one?
Any advice much appreciated ….
White House has confirmed that President Obama is to visit two Normandy beach sites on 6 June.
Best avoid visiting those sites on that day, Trevor.
http://tiny.cc/KVi70
Fantastic site, just what I need. I am riding my motorbike to Normandy on 5/6/09 with my 14 yr old son on the back, camping at Houlgate and intending to be up at dawn on D Day to head to the beaches, and to try and be part of the continuing history in the making. Pegasus Bridge is on our list too.
I was there on my bike for the 60th anniversary and found it impossible to get to the beaches after about 9am as the police set up a blockade to keep people out.
Does anyone know if that sort of thing is going to happen this year, or are things being done on a smaller scale this time round for any reason? My dawn sortie is for two reasons – being there at the crucial hour, and beating the blockades.
All the best, press on regardless….
The Merville Battery was an important German gun position overlooking Sword Beach. The task of overcoming it, a top priority in the initial assault, was given to the 9th Battalion Parachute Regiment.
More here: http://www.1940.co.uk/history/article/merville/merville.htm
If anyone hears of any events at the Merville Battery, please let me know.
This site is a great help. I was wondering if there are any events at the Merville Battery which don’t clash with those at Pegasus on the 6th June. I was there at the 60th and met a Merville survivor who gave our party some food for thought – he had come from New Zealand so I imagine he won’t be there this year.
You mean the “MEETING OF MEMORIES” walks?
I have checked with the organisers – these walks (currently scheduled for the evenings of 4th, 5th and 9th June 2009, the last in place of the originally scheduled walk on 6th June) are free but by reservation only, and are organised by the Tourist Office at Omaha beach. The Tourist Office website address and telephone details are given under the listings for Colleville sur Mer on the dates in question.
NB I understand that the witnesses are locals who witnessed the landings, not the soldiers who landed – so the witnesses will speak French! I do not know if there will be translators on hand – please check directly with the tourist office.
Great info on this so thank you very much. We are a family of four – ages 47,47,15 and 14, coming to honour some great men and women.
Like you correspondent of March 15 we too are keen to know if we have to book the walk on evenings of June 5 and 6.
Can you help. Thanks again and here’s to looking forward to meeting new friends in early June.
Thank you so much for sending me the link to this list. I am organising a small group of motorcyclists to visit the area on the weekend of the 6th of June.
This must have taken a lot of research and it is much appreciated.
Thanks
Andy
Hello Ron
Wonderful to hear from you – thank you so much for your message. I’m sure you did the right thing keeping mum! I wonder what your bride to be said about all this at the time?
As regards joining with other veterans for the occasion, the Normandy Veterans Association arranges gatherings for its members – it is organised on a regional basis and you would need to find the one nearest to you. As a starting point you might write to Normandy Veterans Association, 1 Chervilles, Barming, Nr Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9JE to find your local branch.
Here are the NVA events this year:
NVA Itinerary for 2009
Normandy
JUNE 5th:
1100 hours at Monty’s Statue at Colleville-Montgomery, Parade and Service
1600 hours at Caen Memorial Garden, Service, Buffet Reception, Beating-the-Retreat
JUNE 6th:
1030 hours, Bayeux Cemetery., Parade and Service
1530 hours, Asnelles., Parade & Service
1700 hours, Arromanche-les-Bains Parade and Service
UK:
June 21st:
1400 hours,’Whitehall’ London., Parade & Service
July 19th:
1400 hours, Parade & Service at York Minster
September 13th:
All Day from 1000 hours: Final Commemoration at Duxford Air Museum. – Cambridgeshire.
The Normandy Veterans Association is only able to help members of the NVA.
Alternatively, I suggest contacting the Royal British Legion.
The following is taken from the RBL website http://www.britishlegion.org.uk
“On Saturday, 6th June 2009 – or “D-Day 65” – The Legion will be taking heroes from D-Day and today to the Normandy beaches in honour of the 165,000 Allied Forces who took part in the landings.
“The D-Day heroes will also take part in commemorative services organised by The Royal British Legion at the majestic Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy, the spiritual home of the Normandy Landings as well as the Norman Conquest nearly 900 years earlier.
“A Beach in Normandy, used by British Forces in the invasion, will be planted with thousands of Union Flags chosen from among the 5.5 million that have been sent out by the Legion across the UK to be inscribed with messages of thanks and dedication.
“The flag mail-out is part of a £2.5 million fundraising appeal in association with the D-Day anniversary, to further the work of The Legion in supporting veterans, Service personnel and their families.
“Members of the public in England and Normandy will meanwhile be invited to a major outdoor celebration, picnic, and pop concert in Portsmouth, with additional picnics in Weymouth, Coventry, and Christchurch. Picnics on both sides of the Channel are being organised by the Legion in partnership with Normandy Association and Normandy Association UK. ”
For further information, please contact:
Fiona Verginis,
Public Relations Officer,
The Royal British Legion,
T: 020 3207 2236
fverginis@britishlegion.org.uk
I am an 88 year old Veteran ex RAF Bomber Command – on June 6th 1944 we were diverted from our usual bombing missions with 218 Sqdn flying Stirlings and detailed to an American base in the u.K to tow a glider of Americaln airborne troops to Normandy-it was a truly awesome sight and my wedding day had to be cancelled scheduled for June 6th thje first time we had even seen a glider-we did not inform the airborne troops of this fact. !
Yours Sincerely Ron Brown
I would very much wish to join a gathering of fellow Veterans for the occasion. can this be arranged ?
There are rumours from the Elysée Palace that President Obama has been sent an invite by Sarko but there has been no official announcement at time of writing. Other US officials will be attending various events (see list for details). One possible drawback – wherever there are heads of state and senior officials attending, it’ll probably mean less access for members of the public due to security measures at the time of their visit.
Does anyone know how to access information regarding information on what USA officials are attending and what their speaking shedule consist of? i.e.President, govenors etc…
We went to the 60th anniversary and President Bush spoke.
Are any USA goverment officials planning to honor our veterans by attending this celebration?
Thanks to Danny Greeno for letting us know about Project65. I had seen mention of “Runners arrive 00h16 at Bénouville” on the Normandie Mémoire site but had no idea what it was referring to – I have now added full details under Bénouville for 6th June.
Good luck to all involved.
I am the Chairman of the military charity PROJECT 65. We have organised a run to commemorate the operation at Pegasus Bridge in Benouville. 200 runners are running 65 miles from Tarrant Rushton, Dorset all the way to Pegasus Bridge and will be arriving at precisely 0016hrs on D-Day. In the afternoon of D-Day, our new memorial dedicated to and displaying the names of every man on the operation will be unveiled at the Memorial Pegasus Museum alongside the original bridge by general Sir Richard Dannatt (Chief of the General Staff).
Fireworks will be set off at approximately 0020 on D-Day shortly after the runners arrive.
More information can be found at http://www.project65.net
Many thanks
Danny Greeno
Chairman
PROJECT 65
thanks for posting this list of events going on, i plan on attending from the 4th to the 7 and the only problem i see is deciding where to go and what to see as there seems to be so much!
I am steering a project to honour the memory of 2nd Lt George E Schmidt, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Lt Schmidt led an attack against a heavily-defended farm building in the tiny hamlet of Les Droueries, between St Come-du-Mont and Ste Marie-du-Mont. The German defenders barred the route to the strategic objectives of the lock at La Barquette and the road and rail bridges over the River Douve.
The attack succeeded, but Lt Schmidt was fatally wounded. He was posthumously awared the Distinguished Service Cross for heorism and outstanding leadership.
Lt Schmidt is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach at Colleville-sur-Mer.
Now, 65 years to the day, on Saturday, 6 June 2009 a beautiful black granite plaque will be unveiled at the farm building where Lt Schmidt died on D-Day.
More than 150 guests – veterans, serving paratroopers and US air force personnel, reenactors from France, Belgium and England and local dignitaries will honour Lt Schmidt’s memory.
For more information, contact Irish Dave at: david.ashe@orange.fr or The Mad Major at: blazingsky@neuf.fr
I have added some further details to some of the events listed, with thanks to Vivian Roger secretary of the Association U. S. Normandie “mémoire et gratitude” in Amfreville, part of the commune of Ste. Mère-Eglise.
Vivian wrote:
I am also a member of the AVA or “friends of the American Veterans”. Within the week, I will have a composite calendar of events in English, of the ceremonies and events in this area. There are many events planned for the American veterans. And I would love to communicate this with my fellow Americans who are interested in the 65th Anniversary of D-Day!!!
For the moments, I can respond to requests individually using my e-mail address vivianroger@orange.fr .
If Vivian sends me the details I will post them here.
Many thanks for such a comprehensive list ‘ohcassis’. Its useful to know and will help our plans when we visit Normandy in the summer.
Once again thanks for the time you have put into all of this.
Rita
Bonjour
Please could I ask if you have to book for a tour/walk at Colleville-Sur-Mer at 17.30-19.30pm with veterans on either 4th, 5th or 6th June?
Would there be any car parking issues at this venue and places like Longues battery?
Thankyou
Phil
I understand completely about the privacy, but it should be made “public” to veterans and their families how to go about contacting the appropriate personnel to make this happen. And the process should be an easy one – we shouldn’t have to dig for information over the internet.
Thank you for your site and what you are doing to keep us informed on the various venues and events.
I completely agree, Carolyn – I’m sure that Veterans and their friends and families will appreciate the information you’ve provided.
Anyone wanting to find a particular Maire (mayor) or Mairie (Mayor’s office – like a town hall) can use the search engine on this site to obtain contact details:
http://www.mairie.biz/
Type the name of the town or village into the search box.
If anyone has a problem that they REALLY can’t solve for themselves finding a contact name/number/email, contact me by email and I’ll get the information for you (depending on demand). Please do not post such requests here as comments – they will be ignored.
Phil
Thank you for that, Carolyn – I appreciate your taking the time to post your message.
Since the veterans are contacting the Maire of the towns concerned individually, and the ceremonies are described as “quite private”, then I doubt if there is a list and I’m not sure it would be appropriate to publish one.
However, I’ll check with Normandie Mémoire if there will be list of these “private ceremonies” and check whether “private” really does mean “private”. If you see what I mean!
Phil
Below is the information I have received from Normandy Memoire:
This year the organization of the giving-medal ceremonies is different from the year 2004. It’s not anymore a unique day chosen by the towns. Each veteran can come when he wants from the 6th of June 2009 to the end of August. He just has to tell the Maire of the relevant town when exactly he would like to come. So the giving-medal ceremonies will be quite private, depending on the number of veterans that would have chosen the same date to receive it in a particular town.
So your father should choose the town he really prefers in Low Normandy.
The public ceremonies organised – those on our website’s calendar – are not “giving-medal ceremonies”.
Please, let me know when he has decided where to go.
Best regards,
xxxx-xxxxxxx
Normandie mémoire
88, rue Saint Martin
14000 CAEN
A note on American ceremonies: the main ceremony at the American Cemetery is listed above, as follows:
Saint Laurent sur Mer/Colleville s/Mer (14)
On 06-06-2009
Phone : 0231513952
Fax : 0231513949
2.30pm American Cemetery religious service and laying of wreaths.
OMAHA BEACH PICNIC This has attracted for a few years more than 1200 people. For its 5th birthday, the Normandy Day picnic will be framed by other key events: procession of military vehicles of the MVT, music. 15h00 onwards until fireworks display.
3.30pm Laying of wreaths at the war monument.
23.00: fireworks on beach.
Hi Carolyn
I’m aware of certain public medal ceremonies and I’ve mentioned those I have found in the list. If you know of any other public ceremonies, or can indicate where I can find more information, please let me know.
I had not heard that every veteran was also able to nominate a town of his choice (presumably along the Liberation route) so I’d be interested to know more about that. But if it is a private ceremony then those involved already know about it, and outsiders are probably not invited to attend, so there’s not much point in listing it here.
I have added a live link at the top of the page to the ABMC list of events for those who are interested – it is not very long and all are already listed here.
Click to access 65th_D-Day_Schedule_2.12.09.pdf
Have you included information about the medal that each veteran is being honored with? I have been unable to find anything by searching. My understanding is that they can choose a town (I believe in Lower Normandy) and contact the city council and they will be presented the medal with their family. It is a private ceremony as opposed to the more public ones at the 50th.
Please direct me to any information you have on this.
Thanks!
I’m afraid I’m not responsible for organising the events – I just report what has been announced.
Remember that on D-Day the Allies landed some 156,000 troops in Normandy. The American land forces numbered 73,000, of which 23,250 landed on Utah Beach, 34,250 on Omaha Beach, and 15,500 airborne troops. In the British and Canadian sector, 83,115 troops were landed (61,715 of them British, most of the remainder Canadian): 24,970 on Gold Beach, 21,400 on Juno Beach, 28,845 on Sword Beach, and 7900 airborne troops.
Troops from many other countries contributed to the Allied effort in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy: e.g. Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland.
There are many events in the American sectors, at the Cemetery and elsewhere such as under Colleville and Vierville. Ste Mère Eglise also has numerous events.
If you know of an event that is not on the list, let me know.
Hello,
Like the other writers, I see that there isn’t much going on for the American Veterans on D-Day, I wonder why the cemetery is not doing something more for them.
We have attended the 50th, 55th, and 60th Anniversary with the same veteran, they were great, but wonder now about this year.
Too bad, we are a group of 16 people coming just for this, and would hate to miss something of such great importance.
Thanks for letting me have my say.
Viviane Thompson
Hello Phyllis
There are many events listed for the American forces.
I’ve just added a list of towns that fall within the American sector to help you to select those which are specific to the memory and contribution of the US forces. I’ve also highlighted in RED towns and villages in the American landing sector.
As you’ll see, dozens of events are mentioned for the American Forces sector. The American contribution is not under-represented in the list – the list merely reflects what is happening.
If you have more detailed information, particularly concerning American veterans’ participation in events, I’ll be happy to add it.
Hoping you have a pleasurable trip, I’m sure it’ll be one to remember.
I plan to visit Normandy for the 65th anniversary. I am disappointed there are no events mentioned for the American Forces, just Canadian and British. I noticed your reply to a previous questioner, but would you please report on the events scheduled for memoralizing the American contribution to the liberation of France. It is important to me and other Americans especially the veterans who wish to attend. Thank you for your time.
Hello Carolyn
I haven’t done a count, but I would guess that the majority of events mentioned relate to the American – Omaha and Utah – sectors. They are under the towns concerned, not necessarily flagged as “Omaha Beach” or “Utah Beach”.
Perhaps I have missed it, but I am unable to find information about ceremonies at Omaha Beach. Also, I see a lot of activity in regards to the British, but not much for the US veterans. Please inform me of any special activities you have planned for them. Thank you for your time.