With the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings behind us, how did Normandy commemorate such milestone? Can you share any highlights or special events?&nbsp;The significance of this event gave Normandy unprecedented media attention. Our aim was to involve the entire Normandy population in welcoming the veterans and all the international visitors. We encouraged Normandy’s younger population to participate in the commemorations. Normandy was and continues to be associated with the message of liberty and peace transmitted from generation to generation.&nbsp;Apart from the official international commemoration, over 380 commemorative events between June and September were officially approved by the Regional Council and included in the Normandy 80th anniversary official programme. The two-week period of the D-Day Festival, with various parades, flypasts, film shows, lectures, and concerts, drew the most visitors. Moreover, the Region organised a large-scale simultaneous firework display across all the coastal towns along the D-Day Landing beaches on the evening of June 1st. The greeting of American veterans flying with Delta Airlines direct from Atlanta to Deauville by Normandy school children was also a highlight.&nbsp;The fact that the Normandy Region is also organising its 6th World Peace Forum at the Abbaye aux Dames in Caen between the 26th and 27th of September is particularly poignant given the current situation in Ukraine, Gaza, and other areas of tension across the world.&nbsp;Normandy is renowned for its remembrance tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year. Aside from the iconic D-Day sites, what other lesser-known remembrance sites or experiences would you recommend for tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the region's wartime history and the Battle of Normandy?&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the most popular D-Day sites such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/269/normandy-american-cemetery">American Cemetery</a> at Colleville-sur-Mer, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/269/normandy-american-cemetery">la Pointe du Hoc,</a> the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/275/la-cambe-german-military-cemetery">German cemetery at La Cambe</a>, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/271/memorial-pegasus">Pegasus Bridge</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/272/memorial-de-caen-museum">Memorial de Caen Museum</a> are all must see sites and the educational approach at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/276/juno-beach-centre">Juno Beach Museum</a> sets high standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, there have been several more recent initiatives that are well worth a visit.&nbsp;The Museum dedicated to telling the civilian story during the Battle of Normandy at Falaise, for example, filled a very important gap in our appreciation of what the Norman population had to go through. In addition, the new D-Day Museum at Arrromanches brilliantly tells the story of the artificial Mulberry harbour at Gold Beach and its vital role in offloading cargo to support the troops.The new British Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer will also very quickly establish itself as a must-see site. The installation of 1,475 silhouettes of British soldiers between the Memorial and the beach by the charity “Standing with Giants” is also very moving.&nbsp;Beyond WWII remembrance, Normandy offers a diverse range of cultural, natural, and culinary attractions. Can you share some unique experiences or hidden gems that tourists should not overlook when visiting the region?&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the D-Day landing beaches, Normandy is known throughout the world for the Mont-Saint-Michel, the Etretat cliffs, Claude Monet’s house at Giverny, the Honfleur fishing port and the chic Deauville seaside resort.&nbsp;&nbsp;The list of hidden gems is endless: the rolling hills of the Perche, spectacular Norman Abbeys, picturesque villages and gardens, National Horse studs, the meanders of the Seine river, the spectacular “Suisse normande” or the wild beaches of the Manche, etc.&nbsp;On top of these places, there are the local food and drinks: Cider makers, calvados distilleries, …and the joys of fresh produce at the local markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normandy's landscapes and villages are often celebrated for their beauty. How does the tourism board promote sustainable tourism practices to ensure the preservation of these natural and cultural treasures for future generations?&nbsp;We are clearly committed to developing and promoting sustainable tourism which is a long-term and at times complicated process, but we move forward step by step. For example, we are currently exploring ways of measuring the carbon footprint of Normandy’s visitors and encouraging the use of public transport whenever we can (you can find a dedicated section on our website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/sur-mesure/voyager-sans-voiture/">“Normandy Without Your Car”</a>. Moreover, inspired by the example of the Juno Beach visitor centre, we have recently introduced a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/the-normandy-youll-love/car-free-getaways-to-normandy/low-carbon-rate/">low carbon admission price</a> at a range of sites and attractions across the region.&nbsp; Visitors able to provide proof of using public transport or bike are rewarded by a reduced entry price to the site!The Regional Council is also currently testing a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://nomad.normandie.fr/lignes-de-cars/d-day-line-en">D-Day Line Bus service</a> for visitors across the coas and experimentation in 2024 continues with the introduction of an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://explorenormandypass.com/fr/login">“Explore Normandy Pass”</a> encouraging visitors to visit a broader range of memorial sites across Normandy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, the last twenty years have seen enormous investment in cycle routes crisscrossing the region and linking Normandy to a European network of cycling itineraries. More information can be found on our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/active-outdoor/cycling-in-normandy/cycling-itineraries/">website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent years, there has been a growing interest in experiential tourism and immersive historical experiences. How does Normandy innovate in providing visitors with engaging and meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional museum visits?&nbsp;For several years, we have dedicated ourselves to creating immersive experiences that enrich visitors and deepen their understanding of Normandy. By firsthand analysis and testing improvements to the visitor experience, we have not only elevated the quality of our tourism offerings but also provided the region with a fantastic showcase of Normandy's best. On the theme of remembrance tourism, you can explore Omaha Beach on a bike, follow in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers at Juno Beach, discover the Mulberry Harbour by sea kayak, and go behind the scenes to uncover unseen collections at both the Airborne Museum and the Memorial de Caen Museums. For more details on these unique experiences, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW55366414 BCX0" href="https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/the-experiences/">Normandie Tourisme</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking ahead, what exciting developments or initiatives can visitors expect from Normandy in the coming years, both in terms of commemorating WWII history and enhancing the overall tourist experience?&nbsp;Beyond the offers I described before (D-Day Line, low carbon admission price and the Explore Normandy Pass) we also plan to emulate our neighbours in the Somme and extend the “Somme Battlefields for Peace” initiative to Normandy. This initiative aims to promote meaningful tourism and support countries affected by the war. Collecting funds from visitors to support Handicap International and the victims of anti-personnel mines in areas of conflict is a fantastic way to offer our tourists a meaningful experience while at the same time promoting peace and liberty. We also want to encourage school trips to visit this region. Therefore, we plan to adapt our accommodation offer to better serve this purpose. We hope to attract many young people to better learn the history of Normandy.&nbsp;&nbsp;2027 will see Normandy further increase its profile internationally as we will celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the birth of Willliam the Conqueror. This will allow our tourists to explore links with the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Southern Italy, Sicily and potentially Denmark and Norway!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interview with Normandy's Tourism Board Director, Michael Dodds 

The D-Day&nbsp;80th anniversary at the Normandy American Cemetery &nbsp;Multiple ceremonies were held on the 6th of June. Among them, the commemorative ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer.&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, alongside U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, attended the ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. President Macron held a speech in front of an audience of war veterans and U.S. military members commemorating the numerous American sacrifices made during D-Day and the subsequent liberation of France. He also awarded the Légion d'Honneur, France's highest decoration, to surviving war veterans.&nbsp;The ceremony concluded with President Joe Biden honoring the soldiers' efforts, while Lieutenant Commander Katherine Miyamasu of the U.S. Naval forces Europe/Africa performed a touching rendition of 'The Watch'.&nbsp;The international D-Day commemoration at Omaha Beach&nbsp;Following the individual ceremonies, an international commemoration of D-Day was held at Omaha Beach with many notable figures present such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, United States President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Dutch Royal Family, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and William, Prince of Wales. Other honorable attendees were the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Belgian Royal family, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the Italian President Sergio Matarella.The festive ceremony was accompanied by choir performances and personal accounts of D-Day soldiers and war veterans. During a bagpipe performance, parachutists jumped from planes above the ceremonial grounds. Eleven U.S. D-Day veterans were honored with the National Order of the Légion D'Honneur by the Emmanuel Macron.The French President reminded the audience that&nbsp;“We, today, are all children of the D-Day landings” and that "In the face of those wanting to change borders by force or rewrite history, let us be worthy of the brave men who landed at these beaches”. The ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of the French National Anthem, "La Marseillaise," as planes painted the French flag in the sky.

Everything that happened at the key commemorations in Normandy

Normandy and the D-Day beaches understandably capture most of the attention, many wonder what significant sites in the United Kingdom offer insight into the extensive planning and preparations for D-Day. Exploring the rich history of Hampshire provides an excellent starting point. Often considered the heart of D-Day in the UK, Hampshire boasts many historical sites and stories waiting to be discovered.&nbsp;A great starting point to begin this exploration is the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/en/pois/344/the-d-day-story">D-Day Museum</a> in Portsmouth. This is considered to be the no. 1 museum in the country dedicated to the D-Day landings. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the preparations and landings through interactive exhibits. Notably, the museum houses the Landing Craft Tank, LCT 7074, which saw action at Gold Beach in Normandy. This special Landing Craft Tank can be fully explored and allows the visitor to appreciate the scale of the lands and naval craft that took part in the Operation Neptune phase of D-Day.&nbsp;Venturing eastward from the D-Day Story Museum, visitors encounter <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/1623/langstone-harbour">Langston Harbour</a>, home to a significant piece of D-Day history. Within the harbour area is a large concrete block sitting close to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/1631/sinah-heavy-anti-aircraft-battery">Hayling Island</a>. To many, this may just look like an old pontoon. This block is one of the unused ‘Phoenix’ caissons, important breakwater components of the artificial Mulberry harbours crucial to the Allied supply chain. Such ‘Phoenix’ pieces were manufactured in secret at numerous locations in the UK. In Langstone Harbour on Hayling Island itself, for example, a construction site that was used as a manufacturing hub.&nbsp;Nearby embarkation points, such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/1611/gosport-hardway-embarkation-point">Gosport Hardway on Priory Road</a>, provide further insight into the logistical complexities of D-Day. The original beach matting, more commonly known as ‘chocolate block’, is still in place and used to this day. It was from here that men and vehicles, including Sherman tanks, would embark in the first few days of June and then finally head across the channel to land on Sword Beach.&nbsp;In the heart of Gosport lies <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/en/pois/1604/anns-hill-cemetery">Anns Hill Cemetery</a>, an important reminder of the sacrifices made during the D-Day preparations and subsequent campaign. Here, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery honours one casualty of the build-up and those who perished on D-Day, alongside German prisoners of war who succumbed to wounds within the first week of the Normandy campaign after being sent to the UK.&nbsp;These locations offer just a glimpse into the D-Day history of the Portsmouth area, with numerous other sites waiting to be explored across England. Among these, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="Hyperlink SCXW185341678 BCX0" href="https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/342/churchill-war-rooms">Churchill War Rooms</a> in London stand out as a must-visit destination, providing further insight into the wartime leadership and strategy that shaped the course of history.&nbsp;

Unveiling History: Exploring Pre-D-Day Remembrance Sites for Operation Overlord 

"Particularly impressive"As every city in Western Europe, Eindhoven has been commemorating its liberation since 1945, exactly on the day the city was liberated by British and American troops. Coming from the north, from where Museum Bevrijdende Vleugels is now located, the paratroopers dropped there moved into the city, where they met the ground troops coming from the south. The 650-kilometre route that these allies covered in 105 days in 1944 is still travelled annually by cyclists and runners with a burning torch today. During this journey, they bring the Liberation Fire from Normandy to Eindhoven, culminating in the highlight of the celebration: the arrival of the fire on the Stadhuisplein, under the watchful eye of various military attachés, ambassadors and other dignitaries. For many an honour to attend, and for most also unexpectedly impressive: "I never realised that Eindhoven was doing so much commemoration and actuality."

The Netherlands

Defile and commemoration Foundation 18 September

Before the war, Max Wolff's family had a fairly carefree existence, but after the German invasion of Holland, that changed. Starting in 1941, Max slept at hiding addresses for fear of being arrested. Later, the family's house was requisitioned by the Dutch SS. They were given one hour to pack their belongings and then had to leave.The Netherlands was no longer safe and the Wolff family decided to flee to Switzerland. During the flight, Max's sisters and brother-in-law were rounded up and deported to Auschwitz where they were murdered.Max and his parents were able to stay in hiding near Brussels, but when the Allied armies landed in Normandy in June 1944, Max decided he had to do something. The resistance smuggled him to France where he joined the Allied forces in Normandy. In the fall of 1944, Max returned to the Netherlands as a liberator.

Max Wolff: From Refugee to Liberator

The Resistance Tram operates on five sundays in 2024.&nbsp;Starting from the Resistance Museum, this historic tram follows a one-hour route through Amsterdam, visiting numerous places connected to the history of the occupation, Jewish persecution, and resistance.A museum guide provides commentary and will share stories on Amsterdam during the war. Discover the history of occupied Amsterdam as you journey through the city on a captivating historic tram ride.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tickets.verzetsmuseum.org/en/historictramride/tickets">Tickets for the historic tram ride</a>Available on the following Sundays at 1:00 PM:<ul><li>July 7, 2024</li><li>July 21, 2024&nbsp;</li><li>August 4, 2024&nbsp;</li><li>August 18, 2024</li><li>September 1, 2024</li></ul>The tour starts in the auditorium of the Resistance Museum, Plantage Kerklaan 61, Amsterdam1:00 PM: Registration, coffee/tea 1:10 PM: Program starts: Introduction to the Resistance Tram 1:30 PM: Boarding the Resistance Tram Approximately 2:45 PM: End of the tour at the Resistance Museum Note: You will return to the Resistance Museum. With your ticket, you can still visit the museum.

Historic Tram ride through Amsterdam 

Embark on a captivating journey as we invite you to join us for a guided tour of one of the historic gun emplacements which makes up part of the remarkable Batterie Mirus fortification.&nbsp; This exclusive opportunity grants you access to a hidden gem of military history, revealing a labyrinthine of once-secret corridors and rooms of the largest gun emplacements built in the Channel Islands during WW2.&nbsp; Hear about how the extraordinary guns were transported to the island and eventually to the site and view exclusive photographs from a private collection.&nbsp; This is an experience not to be missed. Price £17.50pp includes donation to Festung GuernseyMeeting point: La Houguette School car parkWhat3Words - ///mixes.canoes.stewing Book online here <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.toursofguernsey.com/">www.toursofguernsey.com/</a>&nbsp;

Guernsey

Journey into history - Guided tour of Batterie Mirus

Your guide will provide you with information on the construction and use of this facility during WW2.&nbsp; As you walk through the many tunnels, you will be shown various interesting areas which without a guide you may unwittingly walk past.&nbsp; This site also houses some interesting exhibitions and has aerial footage photographs from WW2 of various areas around the Bailiwick of Guernsey.&nbsp; &nbsp; Price: £12pp includes entrance fees&nbsp;Meeting point: The German Underground Hospital &nbsp;WhatThreeWords ///greenbelt.napkins.pierces&nbsp;

Unveiling History inside the German Underground Hospital  

Unveil the strategic positioning from the era of the imposing Napoleonic Fort commanding panoramic views across the west coast and inland.&nbsp; Hear how this area was transformed during WW2 and view rare photographs from a private collection.&nbsp; Exclusive access will be provided to two private bunkers (restored personnel shelter and M19 bunker), each bearing witness to the island’s wartime saga.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; £17.50pp includes donation to Festung GuernseyMeeting point: &nbsp;Lower Car Park at Fort Hommet -What3Words – ///advances.router.trip&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A walk through time: Explore Fort Hommet's Historic Headland Odyssey	

This day pays a fitting tribute to the extraordinary achievements of so many young men and women over the 32 years it was in operation, around the world.This year IBCC will also be marking the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and their huge contribution to Bomber Command in WW2.IBCC invites family, friends and supporters to join the Service of Remembrance which starts at 14.00. If you would like to lay a wreath for a loved one, association or group please email the IBCC events team <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:events@internationalbcc.co.uk">here</a>

United Kingdom

International Bomber Command Day Service

View two gun emplacements together with ammunition stores and personnel shelters. Hear how this Batterie was used during the Occupation and what eventually happened to the guns housed there. View exclusive photographs from a private collection.	£14pp includes donation to Festung GuernseyMeeting point: Batterie Scharnhorst - What3Words ///irritating.fishy.siding

Discover the hidden trenches and bunkers: Journey inside Batterie Scharnhorst

Director: Caroline Gaujard-Larson. Production: Cancan Média.

France

Screening of a documentary film on the Liberation of Percy

During this period, there will be all kinds of things to see, do and learn. For both young and old. Commemorations will be held and monuments unveiled. Come and watch various historical columns and reenactment (= reenacting historical events). Hop on your bike for one of the bike tours that will take you past important sites, or put on your walking shoes for a new podwalk. There will be concerts and much more.Slowly but surely, separate announcements will appear on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.meierijstadherdenkt.nl/">Meierijstad Herdenk</a>t. So keep a close eye on the website.

80 years of freedom: commemorating and celebrating

In June 2024, 99-year-old Canadian veteran Jim Parks visited Juno Beach in Normandy, where he landed with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles battalion on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Interview with Veteran Jim Parks

We interviewed Bruce Crompton from Combat Dealers and Amazing War Stories about the importance of remembrance.

Commemorate the end of WWII – 80 years later

Featured events