Summary of the 2004 Greatest Generation Exhibition
60th anniversary of the Normandy landings
Dates: May 29 to June 13, 2004
Location: Sainte-Mère-Eglise
This event dedicated to the American paratroopers of World War II and Sainte-Mère-Eglise was a first.
Thanks to its unique installation in the space, spanning over 2,000 square meters, and its presentation during the festivities marking the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, “The Greatest Generation Memorial Exhibit” serves as a memorial event and an expression of gratitude to our liberators.
Through an exhibition highlighting the bravery and dedication expressed by a generation of Americans known in the United States as the “Greatest Generation,” visitors are transported back sixty years. Upon entering, a young man wearing the uniform of the US Military Police armed with a US M-1 carbine guards the entrance…
From a historical perspective, the originality of the exhibition lies in the presence of very rare authentic pieces belonging to the most famous figures involved in the liberation of this first village. Borrowed from the greatest American museums, loaned by veterans, or part of one of the richest private collections, visitors were able to discover, among other things, items belonging to Generals Matthew Ridgway and James Gavin of the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Vandervoort, immortalized by John Wayne in the film “The Longest Day,” and Major Richard D. Winters, commander of the famous Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division.
The exhibition also features unusual but equally rare objects, such as the first Nazi flag captured in Normandy by the Americans, the town’s period nameplates, the fire engine used to extinguish the fire, and even the helmet of a French firefighter who fought the June 6th blaze.
In fact, it was the image of the town sixty years ago that resurfaced. Each display case was linked to a key event in the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Eglise and its liberators.
Another aspect focused on bringing together generations. Paratrooper veterans, such as Forrest Guth of the “Easy” Company, met with visitors and signed several books exclusively.
Finally, all around the exhibition space, visitors had the opportunity to stroll through a period American encampment recreated by two British living history groups.
This exhibition was produced by The Way We Were Foundation with the support of the city of Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the collaboration of the International Center of Photography of New York.
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