D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorations – a program spread on May-June
The commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings were the highlight of 2019 in Normandy.
While it was impossible for us to attend all the commemorations held throughout May and June, we had the great privilege of participating in some of them during the particularly moving week of June 6th.
Transformed into a vast open-air theatre of remembrance, the Cotentin Peninsula, where the D-day landings unfolded, resonated with the rhythm of celebrations and tributes.
From towns to villages, every corner paid homage to those who landed in Normandy 75 years earlier.
The scale of the events was impressive: ceremonies, conferences, memorial trails, museums, exhibitions, reconstructions of military camps and field hospitals, captivating air displays, daring parachute jumps, and the unveiling of plaques and monuments.
The atmosphere was vibrant, punctuated by banquets, dances, and a breathtaking fireworks display. Countless residents adorned their facades, windows, and gates with flags. Many also donned period clothing from 1940, with women meticulously recreating the hairstyles of the era.
The roads of the Cotentin peninsula were transformed into a veritable parade ground for military vehicle collectors from all over Europe, showcasing an impressive collection of jeeps, troop transport trucks, motorcycles, and even tanks.
Normandy, in a grand gesture of gratitude, expressed its profound appreciation to its liberators. The festivities were simply extraordinary!
Official D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorations on June 6, 2019
The only drawback on June 6th was the extensive security perimeter, which, unfortunately, restricted access to all the D-Day landing beaches, from Pegasus Bridge, east of Sword Beach (Ouistreham), to Utah Beach in the west.
National Route N13, which runs along the coast inland, was also completely closed in both directions. These strict security measures were justified by the presence of numerous heads of state and distinguished guests attending the official commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Among them, Theresa May was inaugurating the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-mer at Ver-sur-Mer. Sadly, this official ceremony was closed to the public.
At the Colleville-sur-mer American war Cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach, a poignant moment unfolded when US President Donald Trump and the First Lady, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, led a moving commemoration with veterans and their families.
Meanwhile, the coastal villages along the D-Day landing beaches were bustling with activity, offering a multitude of events: ceremonies, unveiling of commemorative plaques, and performances. However, access to these events on June 6 proved difficult, as entry was prohibited from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For those staying in Arromanches, the day held a major surprise: stranded, they couldn’t even walk to the nearby beaches due to the considerable distance between them.
Despite the emphasis placed on security, the general impression persisted that the June 6 ceremonies were primarily reserved for officials, with the general public only having access by invitation. What a shame!
D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorations and events we attended
The commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day held special significance for us, as we had the honour of attending numerous events during the week of June 6th. In this article, we are delighted to recount and share the precious moments we experienced during this historic commemoration. We also invite you to watch the video below, in which we captured the essence and emotion of these extraordinary events.
Lessay Airfield
On June 6th, we had the privilege of attending a breathtaking air show, a remarkable demonstration of vintage aircraft and military prowess, organised by the US Air Force at Lessay Air Base. This historic airfield was meticulously maintained by the 830th Aviation Engineer Battalion. The event wasn’t limited to the aerial displays; it also featured an impressive recreation of a military camp, complete with authentic vehicles, equipment, and soldiers.
Arromanches – Gold Beach
On June 7th, our long-awaited visit to Arromanches (Gold Beach and the vestiges of the Mulberry artificial Harbour finally took place.
Despite the regrettable cancellation of the planned air show due to inclement weather, the atmosphere in the town remained one of solemnity and camaraderie. Soldiers, veterans, their families, and members of the public gathered before the multitude of commemorative wreaths adorning the D-Day Museum. The village square was transformed into a vibrant historical scene, where numerous military vehicles were on display.
Throughout the region, towns and villages adorned telephone poles with moving signs displaying photographs of soldiers who fell in the line of duty during the D-Day landings.
In Arromanches, we were deeply moved to discover a wreath of poppies lovingly placed by the two children and family of one of these fallen heroes of the Second World War. Their dedication, imbued with touching sincerity, read: “Remembering our Dad – Albert Potterton – You are always our Hero – All our Love – Ian, Martha, and Family xx” .
Ver-sur-Mer – Gold Beach
The weather improved as Theresa May inaugurated the British Normandy Memorial.
The centrepiece of this memorial park was a striking sculptural group depicting three British soldiers on Gold Beach.
However, none of these soldiers wear any particular insignia. They do not represent a specific military division, but symbolise the ‘universal soldier’. The memorial has since been achieved and is absolutely secular.
We took photos the next day of the wreaths laid by the British Prime Minister and the French President before they faded.
Bernières-sur-mer – Juno Beach
In Bernières, a striking display of military vehicles and equipment was set up in the parking lots next to the tourist office.
The Villa Cassine, also known as the Canadian Memorial House, face Juno Beach, the beach where the Canadian Queen’s Own Rifles landed. The Villa Cassine was the first house liberated in Bernières!
On the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the house was adorned with a multitude of Canadian flags and commemorative wreaths placed there by veterans’ families and members of the public. It stood like a sentinel watching over this shore where so many Canadian soldiers fell.
Along the beach, Canadian flags fluttered in a show of solidarity, while candles illuminated the memorial path laid along the walls of the Villa Cassine, and tall flagpoles, flying the Canadian flag, marked the breach where the Canadians launched their assault.
Canadian War Cemetery in Bény-sur-Mer
The solemnity extended to the cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer, where Canadian soldiers who fell during the landings on Juno Beach and in Caen in the following days are buried. Numerous wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial.
La Cambe German War Cemetery
These ceremonies also provided an opportunity to realise that many young German soldiers, also on average in their twenties, perished during these battles.
Many were buried at the Cimetière de La Cambe.
Bouquets of white flowers, symbols of peace and purity, adorned the graves and framed the central cairn that contains the remains of unknown German soldiers.
Commemorative wreaths were laid at its base, recalling the heavy price also paid by the German armies.
Yet, amidst this solemnity, the dominant theme was that of peace, remembrance, and reconciliation.
Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery on D-Day 75th Anniversary
Omaha Beach is tragically famous for being the site of the deadliest landing!
All the soldiers who lost their lives under the relentless fire of German machine guns or drowned before even setting foot on the beach were buried in the cemetery at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-mer.
We visited the Omaha Cemetery on June 7, the day after the moving ceremony presided over by Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron.
The remains of the platform and the facilities erected for the veterans’ families were still visible.
The atmosphere was still heavy with emotion.
Amidst this ocean of graves stretching as far as the eye could see, we encountered many Americans who had come on a pilgrimage to honour the memory of their fallen loved ones.
Among the multitude of wreaths adorning the graves, one in particular caught our eye: the one placed by a soldier’s sister. Beside her bouquet of flowers, she had delicately placed a photograph of herself next to a picture of her brother, taken before he left for Normandy.
Many American visitors told us that the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day were a moving opportunity for them to pay their respects for the very first time at the graves of their loved ones.
And as if to emphasise the solemnity of the moment, three military aircraft flew over the site.
Pointe du Hoc – Omaha Beach
Our journey then took us to La Pointe du Hoc, a promontory fortified by the Germans with a battery.
It was there that the American Rangers undertook their daring ascent, scaling the cliffs under relentless enemy fire.
The Rangers succeeded in capturing the battery, but tragically, many of them perished during this perilous mission.
In tribute to their courage, France erected a tall, upright memorial stone atop the cliffs and on a bunker where many German soldiers were trapped and buried under the rubble.
Grandcamp-Maisy
The World Peace statue, an imposing monument that powerfully symbolises hope and unity, stands at the entrance to Grandcamp-Maisy.
Two wreaths were laid side by side at its base. One by the municipality, and the other by a Chinese delegation, as a symbol of harmony and reconciliation. This majestic statue, the work of the talented Chinese artist Yao Yuan, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the American Rangers who courageously stormed the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.
The National Guard’s Peregory Monument stands near the statue. It pays tribute to Sergeant Frank D. Peregory of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by his unwavering courage and leadership on June 6, 1944, during the landing on Omaha Beach. Despite intense enemy fire, Peregory bravely led his men into the assault, galvanising them to overcome formidable obstacles and secure vital bridgeheads.
Utah Beach Memory Field on D-Day 75th Anniversary
The Utah Field of Remembrance, a moving memorial site commemorating the military past and present, was installed on Utah Beach from June 4 to 9.
It offered visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the D-Day landings amidst several events and exhibits.
Notable changes were visible since our last visit to Utah Beach six years ago.
An impressive sculptural group now stands at the site of Milestone 00 – Borne 00, which marked the entrance to the breach where Roosevelt and his men landed.
This new monument, depicting soldiers disembarking from a Higgins landing craft, impresses with its striking realism. The mile marker has been moved approximately 50 meters from its original location.
Another significant change greeted visitors approaching the breach: the iconic “Utah Beach” sign had been moved to the other side.
In its place now stands a sculpture honouring Higgins, the visionary designer of the landing craft that played a crucial role in the Allied landings.
Throughout the site, commemorative wreaths adorned the base of each memorial and monument, including the one dedicated to the sailors who died during Operation Neptune, as well as the Eisenhower Way memorial plaque.
As every year, small American flags fluttered on the sand, a poignant tribute to the courageous men who stormed Utah Beach 75 years ago, their bravery forever etched in history.
Monument to the Danish sailors
Many wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument dedicated to the 800 Danish sailors who played a crucial role in the D-Day landings. Located along the road leading to Utah Beach, this monument depicts a Danish merchant marine sailor, symbolising the collective courage and commitment of all Danish seafarers.
Monument dedicated to Major Richard D. Winters
Since our last visit six years ago, another monument has been erected along the road to Utah Beach, honoring Major Richard D. Walters and all the young American officers who landed on D-Day. Charged with overseeing critical objectives on Utah Beach, Major Walters’ command proved indispensable in guiding his men to secure vital beachheads and advance the Allied forces.
Paratroopers drops at La Fière – June 9th, 2019 – D-Day 75th Anniversary
One of the most anticipated moments of the commemorative ceremonies was undoubtedly the spectacular parachute drop of 1,200 paratroopers over the Merderet marshes at La Fière, near Sainte-Mère l’Eglise.
It was indeed over these marshes that the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division were dropped on the night of June 5-6, 1944, to secure vital objectives behind enemy lines.
Tragically, many of these paratroopers were killed by German fire before reaching the ground or drowned under the weight of their equipment upon landing.
The parachute drop intended to honour them, 75 years later, took place as planned despite the lack of sunshine, and the drops began as scheduled.
The air show began around 10:00 AM, when six C-47 Dakotas dropped 110 parachutists dressed in period uniforms. At 11:00 AM, the Patrouille de France treated spectators to a breathtaking 20-minute display.
As noon approached, the skies above the La Fière marshes filled with the thunderous roar of 24 military transport planes, escorted by American F-15 fighter jets, which dropped 1,200 parachutists from various Allied nations. Each plane released 12 parachutists, their parachutes opening one after another, filling the sky with a multitude of little dots.
The spectacle was simply breathtaking, leaving the approximately 120,000 visitors to La Fière deeply moved. On the ground, the atmosphere was indeed just as electric.
Soldiers and veterans, proud in their uniforms, civilians in period costumes, and spectators from all walks of life joined in applause and respect as each impressive parachute drop unfolded.
A second drop of 110 paratroopers took place later in the afternoon, before the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring General Gavin, who defended the Pont de la Fière from a trench by the roadside.
The paratroopers then paraded triumphantly toward Sainte-Mère-Église, accompanied by a cavalcade of 100 vintage military vehicles, including nine tanks, carrying 40 veterans.
Commemorative wreaths were laid at the foot of the C. Deglopper monument in La Fière, along the causeway now known as Marcus Heim Way, to honour Marcus Heim, who sacrificed himself to save his comrades and recapture the La Fière Bridge.
As the day drew to a close, Sainte-Mère-Église concluded this exceptional day with a spectacular fireworks display.
Carentan Marshes
From June 6 to 10, the Camp Arizona – Currahee, Arizona, Old Abe Camp was set up in the town of Carentan and opened its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into their participation in the D-Day landings. Nearly 500 participants and an exhibition of 200 civilian and military vehicles provided an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the daily life of an American military camp in 1944.
From June 1 to 10, the Currahee Memorial Airborne Group also organised the 10th Anniversary Old Abe Camp, with a similar experience through the reconstruction of trenches, foxholes, and mortar positions.
Although it was impossible for us to attend all the events, those we did attend left a lasting impression. It was truly a privilege to participate in the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day!
To all the veterans who served while defending our freedom, we express our deepest gratitude and admiration, and we remember those who died, and we thank you all. Your courage and resilience will forever be etched in our memories.
