The D-Day Landings 75th Anniversary

Today, the 6^th June, marks the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the largest land, air and naval operation in history, which saw over 150,000 soldiers land on the beaches of Normandy and was one of the main turning points of the second world war.

Today an official international commemoration is being held on Juno beach, one of the main D-Day landing beaches and will be attended by major international heads of state.

Hundreds of veterans, civilians and senior politicians will attend ceremonies today and throughout the month to commemorate this anniversary and many events are planned in Normandy to mark the occasion.

The legacy of the D-Day landings has also led to positive action in the present. Earlier this week the Normandy Peace Forum was held, a major international event which provides a platform to reflect on the world’s tensions and seeks to find peace throughout nations.

However, just because the official anniversary of the D-Day landings is today, doesn’t mean that the commemorations will end tomorrow. To celebrate the 75^th anniversary of this historic event, a series of events will continue throughout the month of June.

It’s a great time to visit Normandy, with the historical sites, monuments, and museums delivering an array of events to share the lessons of the past with new generations.

Visiting the newly named UNESCO World Heritage D-Day landing beaches is a must when visiting Normandy and you can enjoy the annual Normandy D-Day festival if you visit during June. Organised by the Bayeux tourist office, this year they have some very special events planned including parades, concerts, exhibitions and even firework displays, all held to remember the momentous occasion 75 years ago.

This weekend, a parade of historic vehicles will drive through the towns of Normandy, military parachute jumps of men in authentic uniforms from the period will take place and a series of concerts celebrating the lives of those men who landed on the beaches 75 years ago are planned. There will also be picnics on Omaha Beach, guided tours of the Gold Beach area, and military re-enactments.

June is the perfect time to visit Normandy. With an array of activities and events, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, learning about the legacies of previous generations and the importance of this area in world war two. These events not only mark the bravery of the men who fought for liberty but remind us of the impact the event has had on our modern lives.

To find out more about the events In Normandy this June, visit the Normandy Tourism website here: http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/calendar-of-events/anniversary-of-d-day-847-2.html .

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