The Allied Landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944 marked the beginning of the liberation of France and Europe. The attacks waged in Normandy by Allied Expeditionary troops – American, British and Canadian, among others – marked the beginning of Operation Overlord. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers from 15 nations landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate France and Europe from the Nazi yoke. Eighty years later, France wishes to express its gratitude to allies of past and present by keeping alive the memory of this decisive event of the Second World War.
- Débarquement allié à Utah Beach
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Des troupes américaines débarquent sur Utah Beach le 6 juin 1944.
© IWM (EA 51048)
This year, the commemorative programme honours all those who rose up, all those who suffered, and all those who fought and liberated. Multiple national ceremonies will take place throughout the commemorations, while the international ceremony will take place near Omaha Beach on 6 June.
Find the programme and information about the national and international ceremonies here: https://www.defense.gouv.fr/mission-liberation/ceremonies
Commemoration also involves passing on the values of freedom and cooperation to younger generations. The duty of remembrance is a moral obligation that we owe to all the people who came from 15 nations to liberate Europe. The landing and liberation commemorations fall within a broader universal movement of unity and fraternity. We would like to once more express our gratitude to all those who united to liberate our continent.