The Normandy Landings – 80 years of remembrance

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings of 6 June 1944, from 5 to 7 June 2024 France is honouring the memory of these events and the people who came from all over the world to liberate France and Europe from the Nazi yoke.

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.

Des troupes américaines débarquent sur Utah Beach le 6 juin 1944.
Débarquement allié à Utah Beach
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.

Last updated on: 2 June 2024