2017 D-Day Commemorations program in Normandy
D-Day 73rd anniversary
Cette page vous présente le calendrier des différentes cérémonies commémoratives organisées en 2017 à l’occasion du 73ème anniversaire du débarquement et de la bataille de Normandie.
Ce programme est proposé sous réserve de modification par les organisateurs.
- Sunday, May 21, 2017
Bayeux (14)
– 4:30 p.m.: Concert by the French Army Choir at Bayeux Cathedral. Admission: €17 per person (€10 for children under 12). Organization: D-Day Committee.
- Saturday, May 27, 2017
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– All-day: “History and Memories” book fair at the town hall.
Vindefontaine (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Departure of the International Peace March. Expected arrival in Sainte-Mère-Eglise at 5:00 p.m. More information: https://marche-internationale-pour-la-paix.fr.
- Sunday, May 28, 2017
Amfreville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Memorial Day ceremony, held at the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment monument. Organization: US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr
Colleville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Memorial Day ceremony in memory of fallen American service members, organized by the American Battle Monument Commission at the American Cemetery.
Saint-James (50)
– 4:30 p.m.: Memorial Day ceremony in memory of fallen American service members, organized by the American Battle Monument Commission at the American Cemetery.
- Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
American service members will be welcomed by their families. Meet at the community hall. Organization: AVA – contact@ava-normandie.org.
- Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Beuzeville-au-Plain (50)
– 6:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the memorial dedicated to the crew of the C-47 aircraft of the 439th TCG and the paratroopers of the 506th PIR of the 101st Airborne Division, Place Bienaimé Agnès (church).
Chef-du-Pont (50)
– 12:00 p.m.: Picnic organized at Rex Combs Square.
– 2:00 p.m.: Ceremony at Rex Combs Square.
- Thursday, June 1, 2017
Catz (50)
– Inauguration of the Normandy Victory Museum.
Coigny (50)
– 3:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of the 358th Fighter Group of the USAAF in front of the entrance to the Château de Franquetot, Rue de Franquetot. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association and Coigny Town Hall.
Hermanville-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Historical hike “In the Footsteps of the Allies” (approximately 2.5 hours), meeting on the beach, rue de Fécamp. Reservations required at the town hall at +33 2 31 36 18 00.
Picauville (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the USAAF monument, in the priory parking lot in front of the church, in honor of American paratroopers and aircrew. Organization: Picauville Se Souvient in partnership with the town hall – +33 2 33 41 02 48.
– 7:00 p.m.: Guided historical hike (10 km) “Freedom came from heaven and earth.” Meet at the priory hall, next to the church. Period attire is permitted, but no real or fake weapons are permitted. Places are limited. Prices: €2/person (free for children under 10).
Registration required at the Tourist Office – +33 2 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr.
Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (50)
– 2:00 p.m.: Peace Ceremony attended by veterans and children from the primary and secondary schools of Carentan, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, and the music school. On the museum esplanade.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 4:00 p.m.: Ceremony on the church square in tribute to Alexandre Renaud, mayor of Sainte-Mère-Eglise during the Normandy landings.
– 4:30 p.m.: Religious service at the church of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. – 5:30 p.m.: Memorial ceremony for the American airborne forces and transport units on the church square.
- Friday, June 2, 2017
Arromanches-les-Bains (14)
– Free guided tour presenting the history of Arromanches. Departures from the tourist office at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. – Until June 6, 2017.
Carentan (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: “The Heroes of Carentan” lecture featuring portraits of military and civilian personnel and the history of Carentan, at the theater, preceded by a welcome coffee. Free. Organization: Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com.
– 2:30 p.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors from C-47 aircraft along the road between Saint-Côme-du-Mont and Carentan, named “Purple Hearts Lane.”
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony in remembrance of the American paratroopers at Carré de Choux, opposite the But store. Parade of French and American soldiers, veterans, and dignitaries to the town hall, followed by a ceremony at the Signal Monument.
Foucarville (50)
– 8:30 p.m.: Concert by the band The Longest Jazz Day at the Foucarville bunker.
Picauville (50)
– 8:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the 90th Infantry Division monument, rue d’Utah Beach.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Flower laying at the Generals Gavin and Ridgway memorial, on the town hall square. Organization: C-47 Club Normandy Chapter, c-47clubnormandychapter@hotmail.fr
- Saturday, June 3, 2017
Angoville-au-Plain (50)
– 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment memorial.
Arromanches-les-Bains (14)
– Free guided tour on the history of Arromanches. Departure from the tourist office at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. until June 6, 2017.
Azeville (50)
– 3:00 p.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors in period dress from a C-47 Dakota near the German battery. Subject to favorable weather conditions.
Brévands (50)
– 1:15 p.m.: Historical hike starting from Place du Grand Valnoble. Organized by Colette Noël and Patrick Fissot. Reservations required: ot.carentan@ccbdc.fr.
Carentan (50)
– 8:30 a.m.: Departure of the Carentan Liberty March, reserved for marchers in American military uniforms. Limited space. Organization: Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com.
– 4:30 p.m.: Reenactment of an exodus scene, open to public participation (wearing period civilian clothing and accessories and vehicles (cap, hat, handbag, suitcase, cart, bicycle, etc.). Organizer: Carentan Liberty Group – lesneangelique@free.fr.
– 4:15 p.m.: Parade of military vehicles. Organizer: Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com.
– 4:30 p.m.: Arrival of the Carentan Liberty March and reenactment of the taking up of arms on June 23, 1944.
– Time to be confirmed: Liberation Ball. Organizer: Carentan Liberty Group – +33 2 33 42 19 86.
Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 7:00 p.m.– 10:00 p.m.: The Juno Beach Centre, the Canadian museum of the D-Day landing beaches, is open for evening visits, exceptionally until 10:00 p.m. Adult admission: €7, child (8-18 years): €5.50, under 8 years: free.
– Play “Jake’s Gift” about the story of a veteran who returned to France for the commemorations. Duration: 1 hour. All ages. Price: €10 per person.
Douvres-la-Délivrande (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Parade and static display of military vehicles.
– 1:30 p.m.: Aperitif concert. Rue du Général De Gaulle and Parvis de la Basilique. Information: +33 6 78 98 27 26.
Ecausseville (50)
– 2:00 p.m.: Lecture on the Battle of the Hangar on June 9 and 10, 1944, at the Airship Hangar. Information: +33 2 33 08 56 02.
Foucarville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument to the former German prisoner of war camp. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 46 30.
Grandcamp-Maisy (14)
– 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Exhibition of around a hundred vintage military vehicles, organized by reenactment groups from the French MVCG.
Hémévez (50)
– 2:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the monument to the Seven Paratroopers. Organization: mairie.hemevez@gmail.com.
– 6:00 p.m.: Free concert at the church, organized by “Musique dans les marais.”
Hiesville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Guided historical hike “The Night the Eagles Howled,” following in the footsteps of the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division. Meet at the village parking lot. Registration required at the tourist office (02 33 21 00 33).
Isigny-sur-Mer (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Parade of vintage military vehicles, organized by reenactment groups from the MVCG France.
Saint-Marcouf-de-l’Isle (50)
– 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.: Reenactment of the attack on the German battery at Saint-Marcouf with reenactors in period costume. Price: €11 per adult and €7.50 for children (6-14 years old). Organization: Crisbecq Battery in partnership with the Lufteaux Association;
Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (14)
– 7:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Giant Omaha Beach picnic. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic basket. Refreshments and food are available on site.
– 11:00 p.m.: Sky lantern release (weather permitting).
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 7:00 p.m.: Freedom Banquet, by reservation at the Tourist Office – +33 2 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr. Organization: AVA – contact@ava-normandie.org.
– 8:30 p.m.: “Les Dénicheurs” Concert, featuring covers of early 20th-century songs, on the church square.
– 9:45 p.m.: “Tilton Krautz” Concert, featuring folk music and bluegrass jazz, on the church square. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
Sannerville (14)
– 4:30 p.m.: Tribute ceremony for the 4th Brigade of the Royal Marines Commandos at Le Maizeret.
– 5:00 p.m.: Tribute ceremony for the 3rd Infantry Division British Museum, Church Square.
Utah Beach – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (50)
– 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: Nighttime tour of the Utah Beach Museum (last entry at 9:00 p.m.).
– 11:00 p.m.: Sky lantern release (weather permitting) at the D-Day Museum. Information: +33 2 33 71 53 35.
- Sunday, June 4, 2017
Arromanches-les-Bains (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Free guided tour presenting the history of Arromanches. Departures from the tourist office at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. – Until June 6, 2017.
– 11:00 a.m.: D-Day Arromanches Cross Triathlon. Information: +33 2 31 22 36 45.
– 9:30 p.m.: Girly Swing concert on Place du 6 Juin.
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Bernières-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Brévands (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony in honor of the American paratroopers “Filthy 13” at Le Moulin. Organization: Réal Desmarets – filthy.13@hotmail.com.
Cintheaux (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the military cemetery.
Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Veterans’ parade and remembrance ceremonies, starting at the Montgomery statue.
Colleville-sur-Mer (Calvados – 14)
– 8:30 p.m.: Beach Trail Run: start of the 21 km D-Day Trail.
– 8:45 p.m.: start of the 14 km D-Day Trail.
– 9:00 p.m.: start of the 9 km D-Day Trail. Prices: between €10 and €20 per person. Information: +33 6 42 57 14 18.
Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Exhibition of Canadian military vehicles used during the Second World War. At the Juno Beach Centre.
– 11:00 a.m.: D-Day Commemorative Ceremony, Market Square.
– 6:00 p.m.: Pipers parade along the seawalls and rally at the end of the day in front of the Juno Beach Centre. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Crépon (14)
– 12:30 p.m.: Remembrance Ceremony at the Green Howards Memorial.
Douvres-la-Délivrande (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Bagpipers parade on Rue du Général de Gaulle. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.: Guided tour of the Radar Museum, admission included.
Gourbesville (50)
– 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument to the American 82nd Airborne and 90th Infantry Divisions.
Isigny-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Large festive picnic in a guinguette atmosphere at the Walt Disney Garden. Information at +33 2 31 51 24 00.
La Fière (50)
– 10:30 a.m.: Parachute drop by Liberty Jump and Round Canopy Parachuting Team reenactment groups from vintage C-47 aircraft. Subject to favorable weather conditions.
– 1:00 p.m.: Military parachute drop organized by the U.S. Army with the participation of approximately 350 paratroopers. – 2:15 p.m.: Ceremony at the Iron Mike Monument, attended by airborne troops. Information: +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
Langrune-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Longues-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Luc-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Pipe Band Parade, Place du Petit Enfer.
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Méautis (50)
– 11:00 p.m.: Interactive Night Show. Single admission: €10/person, free for children under 3. Reservation required. Organization: Bloody Gulch Memorial, Donville Manor – +33 2 33 42 03 22.
Merville-Franceville-Plage (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Historical hike organized by the France 44 association, from the Varaville drop zone to Amfreville via the Merville battery. Estimated duration: 3 hours. Price: €12 per person. Information: +33 2 31 91 47 53.
Ouistreham (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Participate in the creation of the word “Sword,” visible from the sky, near the Flame Monument. A dove release will conclude this event.
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Périers (50)
– 6:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Monument des Quatre Braves, Place du Général de Gaulle, in memory of the 90th US Infantry Division.
Port-en-Bessin (14)
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): Fireworks.
Quineville (50)
– 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: Evening visit at the World War II Museum: Evening tour to discover a fully reconstructed typical 1940s street, numerous period vehicles and equipment, and also a 1:6 scale World War II exhibition with numerous figurines and vehicles. Organization: World War II Museum – +33 2 33 95 95 95.
Ranville (14)
– British speedboats that participated in D-Day on June 6, 1944, will dock along the canal near the Bénouville Bridge. Free tour in English (until June 7).
Saint-Côme-du-Mont (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Lieutenant Judels and Joseph Beyrle, at the town hall.
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 p.m. (weather permitting): fireworks.
Saint-Côme-du-Mont (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Lieutenant Judels and Joseph Beyrle. Gathering at the town hall. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 41 87.
Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes (14)
– 12:00 p.m.: Meal (reservations recommended at the Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and Russy Town Halls). Price: €12 per person.
– 2:00 p.m.: Liberation Ball hosted by the “La Ginguette à Coco” orchestra, free admission. Social and cultural hall.
Information: mairie.saintehonorinedespertes@orange.fr.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Military vehicle exhibition, Place Chennevière (opposite the museum).
Organization: Airborne Museum – +33 2 33 41 41 35 – +33 2 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr.
– 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Musical comedy by the “La Langue fourchue du papillon” troupe on the church square.
– 4:00 p.m.: “Washboard Compagnie” concert on the church square.
– 5:45 p.m.: Airborne troops parade on the church square. Welcome and speech by the mayor.
– 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: 40s-50s radio hookup. Remember to register! Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
– 9:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.: “Minor Swing” concert on the church square.
– 11:30 p.m.: Fireworks on the church square. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
Tilly-sur-Seulles (14)
– 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: 9th edition of the Battle of Normandy Book Fair. Information at +33 6 07 59 46 02.
Utah Beach – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (50)
– 1:00 a.m.: 2nd edition of the “Longest Night” hike, following in the footsteps of the American paratroopers and infantrymen who fought on June 6, 1944, in the Cotentin Peninsula. Departure from the Utah Beach parking lot, 6 to 7 hours of walking through the parachute drop zones with historical commentary, then arrival at dawn on Utah Beach. Reservations required at association@dday-overlord.com. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association.
– 11:00 p.m. (subject to favorable weather conditions): Fireworks.
Ver-sur-Mer (14)
– 12:00 p.m.: Remembrance ceremony organized by the Green Howards Association.
- Monday, June 5, 2017
Amfreville (14)
– 3:30 p.m.: Ceremonies on the plateau.
Amfreville (50)
– 11:45 a.m.: Ceremony at the 507th PIR Monument. Organization: Town Hall in partnership with the US Normandy Memory and Gratitude Association – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr.
– 12:15 p.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors from a C-47 aircraft onto the “T” DZ (near the 507th PIR monument) (subject to favorable weather conditions). Organization: Liberty Jump Team – libertyjumpteam@aol.com.
– 4:30 p.m.: 8 km guided historical hike “These Decisive Days.” Meet at the town hall parking lot. Registration required at the tourist office (+33 2 33 21 00 33).
Arromanches-les-Bains (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Free guided tour presenting the history of Arromanches. Departures from the tourist office at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. – Until June 6, 2017.
Bavent “Le Mesnil” (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Remembrance Service and wreath laying at the Memorial to the 3rd Parachute Brigade and the 1st British Parachute Battalion.
Bénérville-sur-Mer (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony in tribute to the British crews engaged in Operation Neptune in the Bay of Seine, organized at the Mont Canisy batteries by the “Friends of Mont Canisy” association.
Bures-sur-Dives (14)
– 4:30 p.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Captain Jukes of the 3rd British Parachute Battalion at the bridge over the Dives.
Caen (14)
– 4:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony in the British Garden of the Caen Memorial.
Carentan (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Inauguration of a monument in memory of Major John Tucker, responsible for the reconstruction of the bridges over the Douve and Taute rivers. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 74 00.
Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 4:00 p.m.: D-Day Pipes and Drum Normandy Tour, a gathering of bagpipe players from different nations. Information: 02 31 97 18 63.
Cricqueville-en-Bessin – Pointe du Hoc (14)
– 3:30 p.m.: Memorial ceremony in memory of the Rangers.
Gourbesville (50)
– 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument to the American 90th Infantry and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Organization: Town Hall in partnership with the US Normandy Memory and Gratitude Association – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr.
Graignes (50)
– 5:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of the American paratroopers.
– 6:15 p.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors from a C-47 aircraft, with a flyover of the church following the ceremony (weather permitting). Organization: Liberty Jump Team – libertyjumpteam@aol.com.
Neuville-au-Plain (50)
– 9:15 a.m.: Vintage bicycle tour (civilian WWII uniforms and bicycles from the 1940s and 1945). Approximately 20 km long route with guided stops. Limited to 50 participants. Free. Information and reservations: +33 6 60 14 01 67 or christian.marie.royer@orange.fr. Organization: Nathalie & CVMO & Roulante Gauloise.
Hermanville-sur-Mer (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the British Cemetery.
Ouistreham (14)
– 9:00 a.m.: Franco-British Remembrance Ceremony at the Ferry Terminal.
Ranville (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Arrival of World War II veterans at the Pegasus Memorial Museum.
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Pegasus Memorial Museum.
Saint-Aubin-d’Arquenay (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the headstones.
– 12:00 p.m.: Reception offered by the town hall.
Saint-German-de-Varreville (50)
– 4:00 p.m.: Parachute drops of reenactors from a C-47 aircraft “Operation Reed Pelfrey Pathfinder Memorial” (subject to favorable weather conditions). Organization: RCPT – staff@rcpt.eu.
Sainteny (50)
– 10:30 a.m.: Memorial at the La Roserie memorial, south of the town. (On the RD 971, take the second road on the left from Sainteny towards Périers).
– 11:15 a.m.: Memorial at the Forges memorial (on the RD 971).
– 12:00 p.m.: Meet at the school complex’s school grounds to plant a tree in memory of Bill Springs, an American veteran. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 05 64.
Sainte-Croix-sur-Mer (14)
– 3:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the B3 airfield, Route de Ver-sur-Mer. Information: stecroixsurmer@wanadoo.fr.
– 3:30 p.m.: Tribute to the town’s liberators and unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the foot of the remarkable maple tree, at Clos Saint-Martin, Route de Crépon.
– 3:50 p.m.: Social gathering on site, in the small renovated building.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 9:00 a.m.: Memorial Mass at the church.
– 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Military vehicle exhibition, Place Chennevière (opposite the museum). Organization: Airborne Museum – +33 2 33 41 41 35.
– 12:00 p.m.: Normandy Day picnic with musical entertainment, church square. Tables available and food on site.
– 3:45 p.m.: Concert by the 82nd Airborne Division Choir, church square.
– 4:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the Signal Monument, rue du Général de Gaulle. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
Troarn (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the paratrooper graves of the 8th British Parachute Battalion.
– 5:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the plaque of the 3rd British Parachute Battalion and at the War Memorial.
Utah Beach (50)
– 7:45 a.m.: Reenactment of a landing with the American assault barge LCVP “PA30-4”, Madeleine Beach, opposite the U.S. Navy monument (weather permitting). Organization: Challenge LCVP Association – Higgins Boat – secretaire@challengelcvp.com.
Vierville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of the Alliance resistance network with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
- Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Amfreville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Verger Timmes monument, located at “Le Thiers,” organized by the US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude association.
– 11:30 a.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors in period dress aboard a C-47 aircraft at “Le Thiers,” in memory of the men of the 507th PIR. Organization: Liberty Jump (libertyjumpteam@aol.com).
Arromanches-les-Bains (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Free guided tour presenting the history of Arromanches. Departure from the tourist office at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. – Until June 6, 2017.
– 4:00 p.m.: Veterans’ parade and commemorative ceremony on Place du 6 Juin.
Asnelles (14)
– 8:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: 20 km historical hike in the footsteps of the 47th Royal Marine Commando. Departure from Asnelles, main parking lot, next to the bunker. Arrival in Port-en-Bessin. Information: ken.cowdery@tiscali.co.uk.
Banneville-la-Campagne (14)
– 4:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony held at the military cemetery.
Bayeux (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Religious ceremony at the cathedral, followed by a parade to the military cemetery.
– 12:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the British military cemetery.
Bénouville (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony in memory of the Franco-British commandos at Pegasus Bridge.
– 9:00 p.m.: Concert by mezzo-soprano Emma Brown accompanied by the musical group “The Band of Liberation” at the Château de Bénouville.
Bény-sur-Mer (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Canadian military cemetery.
Caen (14)
– 9:15 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of the 87 resistance fighters shot on June 6, 1944, during the capture of Caen, on Rue du Général Duparge. – 10:15 a.m.: Memorial ceremony in memory of the civilian victims of the Battle of Normandy, at Saint-Georges Church at Caen Castle.
– 11:15 a.m.: Memorial ceremony in memory of the 3rd (GB) Infantry Division, Avenue de la Libération.
Carentan (50)
– 2:30 p.m.: Memorial ceremony at the Signal Monument, near the town hall.
Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 8:00 a.m.: Ceremonies in honor of the Franco-British commandos, starting at the Montgomery Memorial and then at the French and British memorials.
– 8:30 a.m.: Wreath-laying at sea, scattering of the ashes of Commando Paul Chouteaux. – 9:00 a.m.: Outdoor memorial service overlooking the sea.
– 9:30 a.m.: Coffee offered by the town hall.
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the French Navy’s Fusiliers Marins School.
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Hillman site.
Colleville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:15 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the 1st Infantry Division monument.
– 2:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the American Cemetery.
Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 3:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre, Garth Webb Esplanade.
Creully (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards monument.
Cricqueville-en-Bessin – Pointe du Hoc (14)
– 6:00 a.m.: Start of the D-Day 44 Challenge, a 44-kilometer race between Pointe du Hoc and Bénouville.
Ecausseville (50)
– 2:00 p.m.: Conference on the Battle of the Hangar on June 9 and 10, 1944, and the role of the hangar in the aftermath of the battle. Organized by: Hangar à Dirigeables – +33 2 33 08 56 02.
Grandcamp-Maisy (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the municipal cemetery in memory of Commander Philippe Kieffer. Organized by: Town Hall.
Hérouville-Saint-Clair (14)
– 11:00: Commemorative ceremony at the War Memorial, Place du 1er décembre 1945.
Hiesville (50)
– 3:15:00 PM: Parachute drop of reenactors from a C-47 aircraft “Operation Maxwell Taylor – HQ 101st” (subject to favorable weather conditions). Organization: RCPT – staff@rcpt.eu.
Ouistreham (14)
– 2:45:00 PM: Ceremony in honor of the Franco-British commandos at the War Memorial.
– 3:00:00 PM: Ceremony in honor of the Franco-British commandos at the roundabout.
– 4:00:00 PM: Ceremony at the civilian cemetery.
Ranville (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony in honor of the Franco-British commandos at the British Military Cemetery.
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: D-Day commemorative ceremony in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (Juno Beach), on the beach and at the Square des Canadiens.
Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the 29th Infantry Division monument.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Memorial to the Temporary Military Cemeteries, at the stadium.
– 3:45 p.m.: Wreath laying at the Signal Monument, rue du Général de Gaulle, with the participation of the Landing Committee.
– 8:30 p.m.: Concert for Peace, at the church. Organized by: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr.
Utah Beach – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (50)
– 8:30 a.m.: Reenactment of a landing with the American assault barge L.C.V.P. “PA30-4”, Madeleine Beach, opposite the U.S. Navy monument (subject to favorable weather conditions). Organized by: Challenge L.C.V.P. association. – Higgins Boat – secretaire@challengelcvp.com.
– 10:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony honoring the Airborne Troops at the Major Dick Richard Winters Monument (County Road 913 near Utah Beach). Due to security concerns, access to this ceremony is by invitation only, and only vehicles carrying veterans are authorized by law enforcement to access the ceremony site. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association.
– 11:00 a.m.: Franco-Danish commemorative ceremony at the Danish monument.
– 2:00 p.m.: Peace Ceremony. Access by invitation only.
– 4:30 p.m.: National Commemorative Ceremony of the Allied Landings in Normandy. Access by invitation only.
Ver-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:45 a.m.: Ceremony at the 2nd Battalion, The Hertfordshire Regiment Memorial, at the corner of Route Départementale 514 and Avenue du Colonel Harper.
– 10:55 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Civilian Victims Memorial, Place Byrd.
Vierville-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the American National Guard Monument.
- Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Bayeux (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Celebrations for the Liberation of Bayeux, Memorial of the Liberators (Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, Boulevard Fabian Ware).
Caen (14)
– 2:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of Canadian soldiers, at the Canadian Memorial Garden (Caen Memorial). – 3:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the Canadian Monument, Place de l’Ancienne Boucherie.
– 4:30 p.m.: Ceremony in memory of the Canadians in the garden of the Ardenne Abbey.
Chef-du-Pont (50)
– 8:30 p.m.: Theater performance “Jake’s Gift,” as part of “Cities on Stage” at the Salle de la Petite Vitesse. Duration: 1 hour – Ages 10 and up – €9/person. Reservations: +33 2 33 05 98 41. Organization: Manche Departmental Council – Cities on Stage.
Hermanville-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Historical hike “In the Footsteps of the Allies” (approximately 2.5 hours), meeting on the beach, Rue de Fécamp. Reservations required at the town hall at 02 31 36 18 00.
Merville-Franceville-Plage (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony in honor of No. 3 Commando with veterans in attendance.
Port-en-Bessin (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Wreath laying at the Garden of Remembrance, Rue du Phare.
– 11:30 a.m.: Wreath laying at the Captain Cousins monument, Chemin des Artilleurs.
– 12:15 p.m.: Wreath laying at the 47th Royal Marine Commando monument, Place Gaudin.
– Parade of World War II military vehicles.
Quinéville (50)
– 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: Evening visit at the World War II Museum: Evening tour to discover a fully recreated typical 1940s street, numerous period vehicles and equipment, and also World War II on a 1:6 scale with numerous figurines and vehicles. Organization: World War II Museum – +33 2 33 95 95 95.
Verrières (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony in memory of B Squadron, Royal Dragoon Guards.
- Thursday, June 8, 2017
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (14)
– 2:00 p.m.: 13-kilometer historical hike in memory of the Canadian troops who landed at Juno Beach. Organization: Saint-Aubin Rando. Reservations required at the tourist office or by calling 02 31 97 30 41.
Tessel (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Royal Dragoon Guards Memorial, 12th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 1st Battalion Tyneside Scottish, and 24th Lancers.
Thaon (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony at Fort Garry Horse, at the town hall.
- Friday, June 9, 2017
Grandcamp-Maisy (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Maisy Battery in memory of the battles fought by the 5th US Ranger Battalion to capture the German battery. Organized by: D-Day Overlord Association with the Maisy Battery Museum.
- Saturday, June 10, 2017
Bretteville-sur-Laize (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Religious service at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation Church.
– 6:45 p.m.: Ceremony commemorating the bombing of the town at the War Memorial, Town Hall Square.
Caen (14)
– 7:00 p.m.: Departure from La Rochambelle, 5 km race, starting at the Parc Expo.
Ecausseville (50)
– 2:45 p.m.: Unveiling of the monument to American soldiers belonging to the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, at the airship hangar. Organized by: AAHDE.
Le Molay-Littry (14)
– 2:30 p.m.: 9-kilometer historical hike to discover the history of the town between 1941 and 1944, including the construction of the A9 airfield. Meet at the Mining Museum; reservations required at +33 2 31 51 96 56.
Saint-Aubin-d’Arquenay (14)
– 7:00 p.m.: Celebrations of the town’s liberation. Exhibitions, audio presentations, and a meal at the Salle Polyvalente. staubindarquenay@gmail.com.
- Sunday, June 11, 2017
Bénouville (14)
– 8:55 a.m.: “Courants de la Liberté” half-marathon. Start from Pegasus Bridge and finish at the Caen Exhibition Center. Places limited to 4,500 participants.
Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:10 a.m.: Start of the 29th Freedom Marathon. The course passes through historic sites of the Normandy landings and finishes at the Caen Exhibition Center. Limited to 3,000 participants.
- Monday, June 12, 2017
Carentan (50)
– 5:00 p.m.: “Liberation of Carentan” ceremony, Place de la République.
– 5:30 p.m.: Flower laying at the grave of Danièle Laisney, at the cemetery. This 8-year-old girl was attending the Silver Star medal presentation ceremony for American soldiers and was killed by an enemy shell. She is honored by the town of Carentan, which places a bouquet of flowers on her grave every year. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 74 00.
- Saturday, June 17, 2017
Bernières-sur-Mer (14)
– 2:00 p.m.: “La Berniéraise” naval rally of small boats (kayaks, catamarans, paddleboards, etc.) in tribute to the Canadian soldiers who landed at Juno Beach. Information: +33 6 67 74 48 03.
Montfiquet (14)
– 8:30 a.m.: D-Day Bike Ride, a 70-kilometer cycle tour of sites and monuments of the Battle of Normandy. Meet at the Maison de la Forêt tourist office. Information: +33 2 31 51 96 56 or +33 6 82 19 13 54.
Vouilly (50)
– 2:30 p.m.: Guided tour of the press room at the Château de Vouilly, reservations required at the Isigny-sur-Mer tourist office. Information: +33 2 31 21 46 00.
- Sunday, June 18, 2017
Bayeux (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemoration of General de Gaulle’s June 18 Appeal, at the Vaucelles roundabout.
- Saturday, June 24, 2017
Périers (50)
– 6:00 p.m.: Unveiling of a monument in Tollemer Park in memory of two American pilots from the 508th Fighter Squadron, Ben Kitchens and Bert Espy, killed in a mid-air collision on June 24, 1944.
- Sunday, July 9, 2017
Caen (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony for the liberation of the Left Bank of Caen, Place Monseigneur des Hameaux.
- Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Caen (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Commemorative ceremony for the liberation of the Right Bank of Caen, Memorial to the Canadians (Rue d’Auge).
- Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saint-Martin-de-Varreville (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Memorial ceremony in memory of the 2nd French Armored Division, at the Leclerc Monument.
11:00 a.m.: Mass in memory of the Veterans of the 2nd French Armored Division, at the church. Reception and banquet (reservation required). Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 46 68.
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