80th Anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery, June 6, 2024

Film by Jakub Lisiak
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American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF), along with Boeing and its other Corporate Partners, was privileged to help ABMC commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy.

Highlights:

200 WWII veterans, many of whom stormed the beaches or dropped behind enemy lines were honored. They participated in a full schedule of ceremonies, meetings, photo opps, and private time to connect with old friends. With an average age of 97, their stamina was amazing. Their grace, stories, and constant belief in America was both inspirational and humbling. Their gift to us is that we live as free people; it is their legacy.

12,000 guests came from all over the world to pay respect to the men and women who served on our behalf. The audience stood and applauded for almost 40 minutes while the veterans came to the stage. Presidents Macron and Biden spoke. Several veterans were knighted in the Légion d'Honneur for exemplary service to France. There were few dry eyes.

Allied flags were posted at homes and businesses throughout Normandy. In ceremonies throughout the country, the French people showed their continued gratitude to the Allies who sacrificed for their liberation. There was incredible pageantry throughout the region with parachute drops from C-47 Skytrains, fly-overs by B-17 bombers and P-51 Mustangs, along with modern military aircraft. A parade of ships, vintage military vehicles, and re-enactors in camps reminiscent of living in the field were on display. It was especially gratifying to see the participation of many young people.

Military service members had a special connection to the veterans and the commemoration. Many units that participated in the invasion sent active duty personnel as representatives. We are grateful for their volunteer service.

1,000 guests enjoyed camaraderie over a breakfast buffet and WWII-era live music in the VIP tent, hosted by Boeing. Guests included the WW II veterans and their escorts; ABMF donors and Corporate Partners, Boeing, Airbus, Capgemini, FedEx, Ducommun, Eurosatory, KBR, and Troutman Pepper. Other VIPs in attendance included elected representatives from around the world; Allied military and diplomatic leadership; ABMC Commissioners and ABMF Directors; along with celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

ABMF captured 100s of images and video interviews with veterans. We'll be sharing them throughout this 80th anniversary year. Please forward this to your network and, if you attended D-Day 80 or have family stories from WWII, we welcome them at info@abmf.org.

Learn more: https://abmf.org

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