June 6, 1944 marks one of the most pivotal moments of World War II and world history. As we look back on D-Day nearly 80 years later, it’s a moment to reflect, commemorate and honor the events that unfolded, those who fought, and the Normandy area that served as a backdrop for this historic battle.
The invasion itself spanned five beaches along the Normandy coast in northern France – codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – and involved more than 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 personnel from eight allied countries in a unified effort to liberate Europe from tyranny.
Today, Normandy stands as a living memorial to the courage witnessed on D-Day. The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc offer a profound and solemn understanding of the sacrifices made for freedom – while visitors to museums like the Caen Memorial and D-Day Academy can explore artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring the events of that day to life.
But Normandy’s allure extends far beyond its military and historical significance. Its rolling hills and tranquil villages offer a blend of cultural richness and everyday charm that have inspired artists, writers and travelers for centuries. Its natural beauty is captivating, from its rugged cliffs and windswept beaches to its lush, picturesque countryside – offering almost endless possibilities for outdoor adventure.
Another result of Normandy’s bountiful, rich landscapes is a thriving culinary scene. In quaint bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants, visitors can indulge in creamy Camembert cheese, succulent seafood, local wines, and world-renowned apple ciders crafted from the finest orchards throughout the area.
The people of Normandy do a remarkable job of preserving its past while embracing its present, beckoning travelers with a journey of remembrance and renewal. As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the area stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. Join us below as we take a deeper dive into the events of that day and the parts of the world that witnessed them firsthand – through exclusive interviews, classic broadcasts, modern reflections and more.
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Thank you for the information.
The guide we used when we did the beaches was Col Eddie Parks Royal Marine and he suggested the Longest Day which was spot on. BTW he was an excellent guide since he was a combat vet (Iraq and Afghanistan) plus knew how to present military facts, strategy, etc to non-military folks.
Looks like a great trip!
I want to go
Excellent programs with valuable content. Follow up will provide access to importent D-DAY facts,
This email makes me so proud to have traveled with Tauck. Thank you so much for putting this together and giving this greatest generation the recognition they deserve. This was a life-changing trip we took with Tauck, and we look forward to traveling with you again. Thank you!
Thank you for this delightful email, including books to read.
I was there with my husband on June 4th through June 8th, 2019 for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Both of our fathers had been involved in that action 75 years prior. This was not our first visit to Normandy to see all the WWII sites, but it was our first venture to do so during the actual anniversary. We are both veterans ourselves (US Army and US Marine Corps) and found our visit so very unforgettable! Also notable was the assistance we received from French nationals who live there and graciously arranged for passes for us to get through traffic on June 6th and 7th in particular. We will never forget their kindness. We were able to see all that we had hoped for and much more. For all those contemplating a visit for the 80th anniversary, we wish you the very best experience!
I had the good fortune to visit Normandy last September. My husband and I found it a very moving encounter. He was asked to help place the wreath as an Air Force veteran.. What I took away from this visit was the magnatude of lives that were lost that day for the cost of freedom. As a retired teacher I thought
every middle schooler and high schooler should have this as part of their curriculum. Do we not learn from past mistakes?
What courageous men/soldiers we had back then to fight for our freedom.
I just finished watching Band of Brothers produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
It depicts one particular ground force in France really well.
I would love to visit Normandy My uncle died on beaches of Normandy at 19 with his first cousin
We took this tour as part of the Seine River cruise two years ago. It was fantastic. I would recommend this to everyone.
This is a really classy way to memorialize this special place and all I could wonder is if I could see it with Tauck. And there it is in the “fine print”.
Very well done, I hope we can join you someday.
Sounds great for two very senior prospects.