I am at the very beginning of planning a three week trip to Europe and for my husband Normandy is a must. Can anyone recommend which are the best D-day celebrations to attend and where I can get more information on dates and agendas? On our vacations we enjoy experiencing local festivities , parades, music, dancing. Thank you Sonja
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
There is so much going on there during the anniversary, it is hard to see everything. The Sunday closest to D-day there is a huge air drop of current paratroopers and reenactors at the La Fiére Causeway in Sainte-Mère-Église that shouldn't be missed—Including ceremonies there and in downtown SME afterwards. Many smaller, individual remembrances are held at a variety of locations and memorials. Try this web site, but keep updating it as you get closer. Every year they post a list of events in the area.:
http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/sainte-mere-eglise-565-2.html
In Sainte-Mère itself, the downtown is a party the whole week with many military units in the area, including bands and dancing in the square, and fireworks at night. There is usually a ceremony at the American Normandy Cemetery on June 6th itself. This past year was invite only due to it being the 75th anniversary, and visits by heads of state (Trump and Macron). But I put my name in ahead of time online and was notified of my invite while I was in Normandy:
https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/normandy-american-cemetery
The World War II Foundation holds it's annual Film Festival in Normandy as well:
https://www.wwiifoundation.org/film-festival/
There are tons of reenactors from Europe who bring their restored vehicles to the area around the anniversary. You can't miss them, but some of their organized events are listed on the first link in my reply.
Enjoy, and feel free to send me a PM if you want more info. I probably won't go this year, but have gone on a half-dozen anniversaries.
Posted by
OP
benicia, ca, usa
10 posts
Thank you so much for the great information. I really appreciate it. I know it will be mobbed full of people; however I still think it would be a wonderful experience. Would you suggest us coming a day or two earlier to do a private tour of the area? Thank you, Sonja
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
Yes. In fact, many of the ceremonies and events happen in the week prior to D-day itself. This year is also a relatively uncommon time when the 6th itself is on a weekend.