The National World War II Museum estimates that fewer than 1% of the 16.1 million Americans who served during World War II are still alive and in their 90s.
The Normandy invasion that changed the course of World War II involved 11,590 Allied aircraft, 7,000 ships and boats and thousands of other vehicles. But success didn’t come easy, and many more lives were lost as soldiers spent a long, hot summer pushing their way into German territory and eventually securing the liberation of France and the rest of Europe.
This year, an international ceremony will take place on Omaha Beach on June 6. Heads of state, veterans and officials will be in attendance. Ahead of the official ceremony, there will be numerous events through mid-June along the entire French coastline, including the five iconic sectors of Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach. The events include parachuting, parades, concerts and historical reenactments. On June 1, a fireworks display will light up the sky simultaneously over the five landing beaches.
Visit en.normandie-tourisme.fr/highlight/80th-anniversary-of-d-day