72nd D-Day Anniversary calendar

2016 Normandy Commemorations

Find on this page the schedule of ceremonies and commemorative events for the 72nd anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.

This program is subject to regular changes and is subject to change by the various organizers. For more information, please contact the town halls or organizers directly.

From Friday, May 13 to Friday, September 30, 2016

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– “Central Enclosure No. 19” exhibition at the Airborne Museum dedicated to the history of the Foucarville German prisoner of war camp, with presentations of testimonies, original objects, and the history of this unique and little-known site in the region’s history.

From Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, May 29, 2016

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– “History and Memory” book fair at the town hall.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Ravenoville-Plage (50) – International Peace March (19 km)
– 9:00 a.m.: Gathering for the march’s start.
– 10:00 a.m.: March’s start.
– 12:30 p.m.: Lunch in Azeville.
– 2:00 p.m.: Departure for the second 5.5 km stage.
– 3:30 p.m.: Snack at the Château Grandval in Neuville-au-Plain.
– 4:00 p.m.: Departure for the final 3.5 km stage.
– 5:00 p.m.: Arrival of the march at the church square in Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
– 6:00 p.m.: Ecumenical celebration at the church in Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
– 7:00 p.m.: Lunch at the covered market in Sainte-Mère-Eglise (reservation required).

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Amfreville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Memorial Day at the 507th PIR monument. Organization: US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude.

Colleville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Memorial Day – Ceremony at the American Cemetery. Organization: ABMC, with the participation of the D-Day Overlord Association.

Picauville (50)
– 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.: Military Fair at the Jean-Claude Flambard Hall, rue d’Utah Beach. Admission: €2.50. Practical information: daniel.briard@hotmail.fr.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Ouistreham (14)
– 3:00 p.m.: Guided tour, covering the Occupation, the Liberation of Ouistreham, and the history of Kieffer’s Green Berets, who were part of the Franco-British No. 4 Commando that liberated the town. Meet at the Tourist Office. 2 Euros per person, reservation required: +33 2 31 97 18 63.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– Military family reception and meals. Organization and registration: AVA (Friends of American Veterans) – contact@avanormandie.org.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– Military family reception and meals. Organization and registration: AVA (Friends of American Veterans) – contact@avanormandie.org.

From Wednesday, June 1st to Wednesday, June 8th, 2016

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– Camp Geronimo: Reconstruction of a military camp dedicated to American airborne troops in Normandy. Next to the Airborne Museum.

Wednesday, June 1st, 2016

Chef-du-Pont (50)
– 7:00 p.m.: Guided historical hike (10 km) “Freedom came from heaven and earth.” Discover the headquarters of German General Falley, the C-47 plane crashes, the marshes, and more.
Meet at the priory hall, next to the church, from 6:00 p.m. (food available on site) and departure at 7:00 p.m. Period attire is permitted, but no real or fake weapons are allowed.
Limited space. Price: €2/person. (Free for children under 10). Souvenir booklet: €3.
Registration required at the Tourist Office – 02 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Cotentin Bay Tourist Office in partnership with the association “Picauville se souviens” (Picauville Remembers).

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Chef-du-Pont (50)
– 2:00 p.m.: Ceremony organized by the town hall at Rex Combs Square.

Fresville (50)
– 3:00 p.m.: Historic parachute drop of men in period uniform aboard C-47 aircraft, in Saussetour. Subject to favorable weather conditions.

Hiesville (50)

– 2:30 p.m.: Guided historical hike (9 km) “The Night the Eagles Howled.” Follow in the footsteps of the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division through the history of June 1944. Meet in the field after the Lecaudey farm. Follow the signs in the village. Period uniform is permitted, but no real or fake weapons are allowed. Places are limited. Price: €2/person (free for children under 10). Souvenir booklet: €3.
Registration required at the Tourist Office – +33 2 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr

Picauville (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony in honor of the airborne troops and aircrew at the USAAF monument. Organization: Picauville Se Souvient association.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Military fair at the covered market. Information: ballesterbarth@aol.com.
– 4:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Alexandre Renaud stele, rue du Général de Gaulle.
– 4:30 p.m.: Religious ceremony at the church.
– 5:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the AVA monument, rue du Général de Gaulle, organized by the AVA.

From Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5, 2016

Carentan (50)
– Reconstruction of an American military camp, “Camp Arizona,” at the cattle market roundabout. Information: camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com.

From Friday, June 3 to Monday, June 6, 2016

Carentan (50)
– 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.: Dockside presentation of the American assault barge LCVP “PA30-4” at the Caligny marina/wharf.
On Monday, June 6, the barge will be moving off Utah Beach and will not return to the port until around 3:30 p.m.

Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– Reconstruction of a military camp on the site of the Hillman position. Information: +33 2.31.97.18.63.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Carentan (50)
– 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Military fair at the cattle market, Route Américaine. Admission: €4. Information: bbbww2@live.fr.
– 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Lecture on the Battle of Carentan and the American paratroopers of the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne, at the theater.
– 3:00 p.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors from C-47 aircraft, between Saint-Côme-du-Mont and Carentan. Subject to favorable weather conditions. Organization: RCPT. Information: staff@rcpt.eu.
– 5:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Carré de Choux square followed by a military parade to the town hall and a ceremony at the Signal monument.

Foucarville (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument to the former German prisoner of war camp, organized by the town hall.

Graignes (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Historic parachute drop aboard a C47 aircraft into the Graignes marshes, in memory of the men of the 507th PIR and the 501st PIR, as well as the civilians of Graignes. Subject to favorable weather conditions.

Méautis (50)
– 8:00 p.m.: Dinner with jazz concert. Share a period meal in the courtyard of the manor house with a jazz concert and surprises… Single rate: €15. – 11:15 p.m.: Interactive nighttime show with a reenactment of the night of June 5-6, 1944, as experienced by the owners of Donville Manor: cinema-theater, nighttime walk with extras, hedge fighting demonstrations, and the storming of the manor. Single admission: €8.
Reservations required.
Organization: Bloody Gulch Memorial, Donville Manor – +33 2 33 42 03 22 – +33 6 47 51 02 69.

Picauville (50)
– 6:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the 90th Infantry Division monument, at the corner of Utah Beach Road and Pasteur Street. Organization: Picauville Se Souvient Association.
– 7:30 p.m.: Friendship dinner at the Jean-Claude Flambard Hall, Utah Beach Street. Organization: Picauville Se Souvient association. Reservations: charles.dennebouy@orange.fr.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– All day: Screening of the documentary film “Prisoner of D-Day” by George Guillot at the Airborne Museum.
– 10:00 a.m.: Flower laying for the memorial to Generals Gavin and Ridgway on the town hall square. Organization: C-47 Club Normandy Chapter.
– 8:30 p.m.: Concert by the 82nd Airborne Division choir on the church square, organized by the town hall.

Sannerville (14)
– 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Parachute drops organized by the Pathfinder Parachute Group Europe in the area, weather permitting.

From Saturday, June 4 to Sunday, June 5, 2016

Creully (14)
– 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Air show featuring flying models at the B-9 military airfield used by the Allied forces in 1944. Information: +33 6 17 92 69 45.

From Saturday, June 4 to Monday, June 6, 2016

Saint-Marcouf-de-l’Isle (50)
– 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Reconstruction of a military camp within the German battery with the “Crisbecq Attack” show, every day at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (approximately 30 minutes): bivouacs, period vehicles, etc.
Saturday, June 4 at 9:00 p.m.: Evening show (approximately 1 hour).
Prices: €10/adult, €7/child (6-12 years old)
Organization: Crisbecq Battery, in partnership with the Lufteaux Association – +33 6 68 41 09 04.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Amfreville (50)
– 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument dedicated to medics Robert E. Wright and Kenneth J. Moore of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
– 12:00 p.m.: Historic parachute drop aboard a C47, in the grasslands at “Le Thiers,” in memory of the men of the 507th Infantry Regiment. If canceled due to weather, postponed to Monday, June 6, around 11:00 a.m.

Carentan (50)
– 8:30 a.m.: Departure of the Carentan Liberty March. Information: carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com.
– 4:30 p.m.: Arrival of the Carentan Liberty March at Place de la République.

Catz (50)
– 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Military fair at the Normandy Tank Museum. Admission: €4. Information: black-lions@sfr.fr.

Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 7:30 p.m.: Liberation Ball in period costume at the community center. Information: +33 2 31 97 18 63.

Colleville-sur-Mer (14)
– 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Meetings and book signings with authors of books on World War II and the Battle of Normandy at the Overlord Museum. Information: +33 2 31 22 00 55 – f.jeanne@overlordmuseum.com

Grandcamp-Maisy (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Amphibious vehicle launching demonstrations (weather permitting). Information: +33 2 31 21 46 00 / +33 2 31 22 62 44.

Gourbesville (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the 90th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne Division monuments.

Hémévez (50)
– 2:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the Paratroopers Memorial.

Isigny-sur-Mer (14)
– 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles. Information: +33 2 31 21 46 00/+33 2 31 22 62 44.

Méautis (50)
– 8:00 p.m.: Dinner with jazz concert. Share a period meal in the courtyard of the manor house with a jazz concert and surprises… Single rate: €15.
– 11:15 p.m.: Interactive nighttime show with a reenactment of the night of June 5-6, 1944, as experienced by the owners of the Donville manor house: cinema-theater, nighttime tour with extras, demonstrations of fighting in the hedges and the storming of the manor house. Single rate: €8.
Reservations required.
Organization: Bloody Gulch Memorial, Donville Manor – +33 2 33 42 03 22 – +33 6 47 51 02 69.

Ouistreham (14)
– 5:00 p.m.: Crowd gathering to form the word “SWORD” and take a bird’s-eye view.

Picauville (50)
– 3:00 p.m.: Ceremony and unveiling of a plaque in tribute to Chaplain Maternowski (508th PIR) on the existing site in the village of Gueutteville.

Ranville (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the British Military Cemetery in tribute to Commonwealth soldiers who fell during World War II and are buried in Normandy. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association.

Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (14)
– 7:30 p.m.: Giant picnic by the sea. Meals available on site. Information: +33 2 31 51 39 52.

Sainte-Croix-sur-Mer (14)
– 4:00 p.m.: Allied landing commemoration ceremony at Airfield B3, Route de Ver-sur-Mer, followed by a gathering for a French-style afternoon tea at the community hall near the town hall.

Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (50)
– 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.: Outdoor military fair, near the stadium. Free admission. Organized by: Club du Souvenir Militaire – +33 2 33 71 56 54 or leholdy@orange.fr
– 6:00 p.m.: Guided tour with a presentation of the Holdy Battery. Admission: €4.
Living museum exhibition at the Holdy Battery site on Saturdays and Sundays.
Organization: Mémoire du Holdy – 02 33 44 81 20 – batteryduholdy@laposte.net.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Demonstration of a battery of three 105mm cannons, at Camp Géronimo.
– 12:00 p.m.: “Normandy Day” picnic on the church square. Organized by: Town Hall (02.33.41.31.18).
– 12:15 p.m.: Stage of the 300 cyclists of the Voie de Liberté at marker 0 in front of the town hall.
– Time to be confirmed: American parade in the town center.
– 2:00 p.m.: Demonstration of a battery of three 105mm cannons, at Camp Géronimo.
– 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Concerts by American brass bands, on the church square. – 3:00 p.m.: Historic parachute drop of men in period uniform aboard C-47 aircraft, on the road to the temporary airfield of La Londe (A-6 Airfield – Beuzeville au Plain). Subject to favorable weather conditions.
– 7:00 p.m.: “Banquet of Freedom” at the covered market, reservation required. Information: contact@ava-normandie.org.
– 8:00 p.m.: Play “Mother of Normandy” dedicated to the life of Simone Renaud, wife of the mayor of Sainte-Mère-Eglise in 1944, held at the Airborne Museum.
– 11:00 p.m.: Fireworks display in the church square.

Sainteny (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Reception of Jack Port, veteran of the 4th Infantry Division, and the Miller family, 83rd Infantry Division, in Saint Pierre Square. – 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at La Roserie, south of the town. (On the RD 971, take the second road on the left from Sainteny towards Periers). Signs are in place.
– 11:15 a.m.: Ceremony at Les Forges (on the RD 971).
– 12:00 p.m.: Reception.

Utah Beach (50)
– 4:00 p.m.: Ceremony organized by the town hall near the Utah Beach Museum.

Vierville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Volunteers from the “Les Passerelles d’Omaha” association will introduce visitors to the footbridges of the Mulberry A artificial harbor, allowing the public to cross them on foot or by jeep. Tickets: from 1 to 3 euros. – 4:00 p.m.: Grand parade of military vehicles departing from Camp Univem, Château de Vierville-sur-Mer. Picnic break at La Cambe. Stop at Château de Colombières. 3:30 p.m.: Passage through Trévières, possibility of being a passenger. Stops at the D-Day Omaha Museum in Vierville, the Overlord Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer, and the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum in Saint-Laurent. 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Military vehicle initiations, parking at the Saint-Laurent Information Point. Information: ben.dday2016@gmail.com.

On the night of June 4-5, 2016

Utah Beach (50)
– June 5, 2016 at 1:00 a.m.: 1st edition of the historical hike “The Longest Night” in the footsteps of the American paratroopers and infantrymen engaged on June 6, 1944, in the Cotentin Peninsula. A 6- to 7-hour walk through the parachute drop zones with historical commentary, then arrival at dawn at Utah Beach. Bring suitable footwear, warm, waterproof clothing, and a flashlight. Period attire is permitted, but weapons are not permitted. Places limited to 20 people: FULL EVENT. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Arromanches (14)
– 1:00 p.m.: 32 km D-Day Cross Triathlon. At the end of the day, a tattoo bagpipe concert. Information: +33 5.31.51.28.28.

Bayeux (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Grand Liberation Parade with a parade of vintage vehicles. Information: +33 2.31.51.28.28.

Bernières-sur-Mer (14)
– 4:00 p.m.: Bagpipers’ parade, Maison des Canadiens. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.

Brévands (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony in honor of the American paratroopers of the 101st Airborne, at Le Moulin.

Brucheville (50)
– 8:30 p.m.: String trio concert (classical and popular music) at the church. Contributions are free.
Organization: Arts and Music in Cotentin and Town Hall – +33 2 33 71 55 46

Carentan (50)
– 10:00 a.m.: Parade of military and civilian vehicles in the town center.
– 2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.: American sports afternoon. Entertainment and demonstrations of American sports: baseball, American football, basketball, etc., in a friendly atmosphere with audience participation. American soldiers will be present. Across from the campsite, near the marina. Free admission. Organization: Town Hall – 02 33 42 78 00.
– 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.: Live performance “What if we built peace together?” with actors from La langue fourchue du Papillon and young people from Saint-Exupéry College (theater, dance, and singing club), at the Theater. Duration: 50 minutes. Contributions are free. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 78 00.

Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 4:00 p.m.: International gathering of bagpipers on the Place du Débarquement, in front of the Bill Millin statue. Information: +33 2 31 97 18 63.

Crépon (14)
– 11:45 a.m.: Tribute to Sergeant Stanley Hollis, who received the only Victoria Cross on June 6, 1944. Ceremony at the Memorial that bears his name, in the center of the town.

Douvres-la-Délivrande (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Parade of bagpipers in front of the British Cemetery. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.

La Fière (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Parachute drop of reenactors in period dress from C-47 aircraft, weather permitting. Organization: RCPT and LJT.
– 2:30 p.m.: Ceremony at the Iron Mike Monument.

Graye-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:45 a.m.: Gathering at the Valette Gap near the campsite and ceremony at the Inns of Court Memorial.
– 10:15 a.m.: Gathering at the Graye Gap near the Charlie 1 tank. Ceremony for the Royal Engineers.
– 11:00 a.m.: At the La Ruche village hall in the center of the town, presentation of the Legion of Honor to Veteran Ken Robinson of the Inns of Courts.

Langrune-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Pipe band parade, Place du 6 Juin. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.

Longues-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 p.m.: Fireworks at the German battery site.

Luc-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Bagpipe parade from Luc-sur-Mer (Place du Petit-Enfer) to Douvres-la-Délivrande. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.

Merville-Franceville (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Historical hike with the France 44 reenactment group, following in the footsteps of the heroes of 1944, from the Varaville parachute drop zone to the town of Amfreville, passing by the Merville battery. Scenes, historical explanations, and uniforms. Duration: approximately 3 hours. Meet at the Varaville rest area parking lot. Price: 12 euros per person. Information: +33 2 31 91 47 53.

Méautis (50)
– 8:00 p.m.: Dinner with jazz concert. Share a period meal in the courtyard of the manor house with a jazz concert and surprises… Single price: €15.
11:15 p.m.: Interactive nighttime show with a reenactment of the night of June 5-6, 1944, as experienced by the owners of the Donville manor house: cinema-theater, nighttime tour with extras, demonstrations of fighting in the hedges, and the storming of the manor house. Single price: €8. Reservations required. Organization: Bloody Gulch Memorial, Donville Manor – +33 2 33 42 03 22 – +33 6 47 51 02 69.

Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (14)
– 2:30 p.m.: Pipe band parade, Square des Canadiens. Information: +33 2 31 97 33 25.

Saint-Côme-du-Mont (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Wreath laying at the War Memorial, at the church, and then at the memorial dedicated to Lieutenant-Colonel Wolverton – 3rd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne (after the stadium, on the right). Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 42 41 87.

Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (14)
– 8:30-11:00 a.m.: 10 km historical hike, starting in front of the “Les Braves” monument. Information: +33 2 31 21 58 29.
– 11:30 a.m.: “Omaha’s Nurse Return” ceremony, a large gathering of women in uniform and civilian clothes from the 1940s, at the “Les Braves” monument. Information: contact@yankees-group.com.

Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes (14)
– 12:00 p.m.: Meal organized by the town’s three associations and the municipality. Social and cultural hall. Reservations required before Monday, May 23. Limited to 80 people. – 2:00 p.m.: Liberation Ball hosted by “Duo Swing Bilhaut Borsi” (saxophone, piano, and double bass). Free admission, limited to 150 people.
Information: +33 2 31 21 77 39 / +33 6 11 28 27 23.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 9:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the stadium at the temporary military cemeteries monument.
– 9:30 a.m.: Memorial Mass at the church.
– 10:00 a.m.: Demonstration of a firing of three 105mm cannons at Camp Géronimo.
– 2:00 p.m.: Demonstration of a firing of three 105mm cannons at Camp Géronimo.
– 5:45 p.m.: Military parade and official speeches in the church square.

Tilly-sur-Seulles (14)
– 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: 8th edition of the Battle of Normandy book fair, at the Battle of Tilly-sur-Seulles Museum. Information: +33 6.07.59.46.02.

Vierville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Volunteers from the “Les passerelles d’Omaha” association will be showing visitors the footbridges of the Mulberry A artificial harbor, allowing the public to cross them on foot or by jeep. Prices: from 1 to 3 Euros.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Amfreville (50)
– 2:30 p.m.: 8 km guided historical hike “These Decisive Days.” Discover the fierce fighting after June 6 in the marshes, the secret ford, the gliders, and more. Meet at the 507th PIR monument parking lot. Period clothing is permitted, but no real or fake weapons are allowed.
Limited space. Price: €2/person (free for children under 10). Souvenir booklet: €4.
Registration required at the Tourist Office – 02 33 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Cotentin Bay Tourist Office in partnership with US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude.

Amfreville (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Commando Monument.

Arromanches (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Open-air Mass.
– 11:00 a.m.: Dutch Memorial Ceremony.
– 12:00 p.m.: Flyover of vintage aircraft. Parade of military vehicles.
– 4:00 p.m.: Franco-British ceremony, Place du 6 Juin.
– 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Airshow – sea rescue demonstration (French Navy helicopter/SNSM patrol boat); Five replicas of legendary aircraft fly over the Port of Arromanches (Spitfires, Mustangs, Cap 231s, Dewoitine 501s, and Piper L4s fly); aerobatics with the European champion of the discipline; an air show by the Patrouille Cartouche Doré (French Air Force patrol); and a parachute drop (participation of the French contact sailing team).
– 11:00 p.m.: Nighttime projection of historical images on a giant screen.
– 11:30 p.m.: Musical fireworks display.

Asnelles-sur-Mer (14)
– 7:30 a.m.: Ringing of the bells at Saint-Martin Church
– 8:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Historical hike of approximately 20 km in the footsteps of the 47th Commando who landed on Gold Beach. Commentary in French and English. Departure from Asnelles, main parking lot, next to the bunker. Arrival at Port-en-Bessin. Information: Info: lesgensduphare@live.fr.
– 9:00 a.m.: Tribute to the 47th Royal Marine Commando in front of the beach bunker in the presence of the Epernay Fire Brigade Cadets.
– 5:00 p.m.: Tribute to the South Wells Borders (Welsh monument) in the presence of Veteran Les Birsch, who landed in Asnelles on D-Day.
– 5:15 p.m.: Tribute to British soldiers at the War Memorial on Rue du Devonshire.
– 5:30 p.m.: Tribute to Maurice Schumann, Charles Hargrove, and Kenneth Pritchard at the new cemetery.
– 6:00 p.m.: Reception in the village hall.

Bénouville (14)
– 7:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Commando Memorial.

Bény-Reviers (14)
– 6:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Bény-Reviers Canadian War Cemetery.

Carentan (50)
– 6:00 p.m.: Peace Ceremony, Place de la République.

Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 8:00 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the French Commandos, meeting at the Montgomery statue.
– 9:00 a.m.: Open-air mass on the beach.
– 9:30 a.m.: Breakfast under a tent offered by the municipality.

Colleville-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:15 a.m.: Ceremony at the 1st Infantry Division column.

Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: D-Day commemorative ceremony organized by the Juno Beach Centre on the Garth Webb Esplanade.

La Cambe (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Official ceremony at the German military cemetery.

Ouistreham (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Wreath laying at the ferry terminal.
– 3:15 p.m.: Tribute to the victims at the civilian cemetery.
– 4:00 p.m.: Wreath laying on Winston Churchill Avenue.
– 4:15 p.m.: Wreath laying at “La Rafale”, Rue Pasteur.
– 4:45 p.m.: Wreath laying at the Commando Memorial.

Pointe-du-Hoc – Cricqueville-en-Bessin (14)
– 2:00 p.m.: Ceremony in tribute to the Rangers organized by the Pointe du Hoc Committee in the presence of veterans.

Port-en-Bessin (14)
– 9:00 a.m.: Wreath laying at Place Cousteau in the presence of 350 local children.
– 4:00 p.m.: International ceremony at Place Gaudin, in the presence of authorities from allied countries and a German representative.

Saint-Aubin-d’Arquenay (14)
– 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at Place Lofi, planting of a cedar of Lebanon.
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Colonel Dawson Memorial.
– 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at Place Boisset. – 12:00 p.m.: Reception.

Sainte-Laurent-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Signal Monument.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise (50)
– 9:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the Signal Monument.
– 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.: Play “Mother of Normandy” dedicated to the life of Simone Renaud, wife of the mayor of Sainte-Mère-Eglise in 1944, held at the Airborne Museum. Duration: 50 minutes. Included in the museum admission price.
– 8:30 p.m.: Peace Concert with the Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus at the church. Organization: Town Hall – +33 2 33 41 31 18.

Secqueville (14)
– 5:30 p.m.: Commemoration of the Normandy Landings at the British Military Cemetery.

Utah Beach (50)
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at the Danish Monument (towards Sainte Marie du Mont, 1 km away). Organization: D-Day Museum.
– 11:15 a.m.: Beaching (reenactment) with the landing craft L.C.V.P. “PA30-4” (subject to favorable weather conditions).
– 12:00 p.m.: Ceremony at the Major Dick R. Winters Monument (Departmental Road 913 towards Utah Beach) in tribute to the American paratroopers, organized by the Utah Beach Museum in partnership with the D-Day Overlord Association.

Ver-sur-Mer (14)
– 9:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards monument.
– 9:45 a.m.: Ceremony at the 2nd Battalion Hertfordshire Guards monument.
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Royal Artillery Memorial.
– 11:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the Civilian Victims Monument.

Vierville-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony at the National Guard Monument.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Colleville-Montgomery (14)
– 8:30 a.m.: Rally and march along the “Commandos Route.”

Port-en-Bessin-Huppain (14)
– 9:30 a.m.: Wreath-laying at the Huppain War Memorial. – 10:00 a.m.: Wreath laying at the Port-en-Bessin War Memorial.
– 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.
– 2:00 p.m.: Parade of historic vehicles in the town center.

Ouistreham (14)
– 3:00 p.m.: Guided tour, evoking the Occupation, the Liberation of Ouistreham, and the history of Kieffer’s Green Berets, who were part of the Franco-British No. 4 Commando that liberated the town. Meet at the Tourist Office. Price: 2 Euros per person, reservation required: +33 2 31 97 18 63.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Grandcamp-Maisy (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Ranger ceremony (2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions) at the Maisy battery, organized by the battery owner and the D-Day Overlord Association.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Amblie (14)
– 11:00 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony for the 72nd anniversary of D-Day in the town square with elected officials in attendance.

Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse (14)
– 4:30 p.m.: Parade of British, American, and Canadian military vehicles, accompanied by the “West Celtic Pipes and Drums,” a Scottish band. Main street.
– 6:00 p.m.: Liberation Ball in period costume. On-site catering. Salle Victor Lorier. Free admission. Information: +33 6 99 15 75 79 – a.s.c.14740@gmail.com.

Vouilly (14)
– 2:00 p.m.: At Vouilly Castle, discover the site of the 1st American Army press camp (from June 10 to August 10, 1944), frequented by 50 war correspondents including Robert Capa, John Morris, Ernie Pyle, John Thompson, and Ernest Hemingway. Registration required at the Isigny-Grandcamp Intercommunal Tourist Office. Information: +33 2 31 21 46 00.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse (14)
– 12:00 p.m.: Liberation Picnic. On-site catering, Canadian specialties. Place des Canadiens. Information: +33 6 99 15 75 79 – a.s.c.14740@gmail.com.

Carentan (50)
– 11:30 a.m.: Wreath laying at the cemetery and then at the Signal Monument. Organized by: Town Hall.

From Saturday, June 18 to Sunday, June 19, 2016

Sommervieu (14)
– All day: US military camp. Picnic. Concert. Miss Paramount dance. Around the community hall. Information: +33 2 31 21 74 96.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Coigny (50) – Château de Franquetot
– 4:00 PM: Ceremony commemorating the pilots and personnel of the 358th Fighter Group (USAAF), which was based at the Château de Franquetot from July 3 to August 14, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy, near the ALG A-14 airfield. Organization: D-Day Overlord Association.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Saint-Martin-de-Varreville (50)
– 10:00 AM: Commemorative ceremony in memory of the 2nd Armored Division, at the Leclerc Monument.
– 11:00 AM: Mass in memory of the Veterans of the 2nd Armored Division, at the church. Reception and banquet (reservation required).

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 (Acadian Week – August 9 to 15, 2016)

Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Military vehicle rally with the Juno Military Club in the Carrefour parking lot.
– 2:00 p.m.: Military vehicle rally near the riding school and the seawall.
– 4:00 p.m.: Screening of the documentary “Une si jolie petite plage” (Such a Pretty Little Beach) at the Gare Cinema. The film tells the story of the Acadian soldiers of the North Shore Regiment of New Brunswick.
– 11:00 p.m.: Lantern release in tribute to the Acadian soldiers at Parc de l’Edit (behind the campground).

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 (Acadian Week – August 9 to 15, 2016)

Bény-Reviers (14)
– 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Acadian soldiers at the Canadian War Cemetery.

Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer (14)
– Ceremony in tribute to Acadians at the Acadian Gap with the Juno Military Club.
– 2:00 p.m.: Departure from the North Shore; historical cycling tour in the footsteps of the North Shore Regiment between Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer and Carpiquet.
– 4:00 p.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Acadian soldiers at the Canadian War Memorial near the Town Hall.

Thursday, August 11, 2016 (Acadian Week – August 9 to 15, 2016)

Courseulles-sur-Mer (14)
– 10:00 a.m.: Ceremony in tribute to Acadian soldiers at the Juno Beach Centre.
– 5:15 p.m.: Lecture on Acadian soldiers during the First World War by David Devigne at the Juno Beach Centre – Free admission.

Thursday, August 11, 2016 (Acadian Week – August 9 to 15, 2016)

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Author: Marc Laurenceau – Reproduction subject to authorization of the author – Contact