The Allied invasion of Europe at Normandy on June 6, 1944, was the largest multi-national amphibious attack and operational military airdrop in world history. D-Day is considered the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. Dozens of BVA members, now deceased, were part of the Normandy invasion from the north and the heroic results of what some historians have labeled a miraculous ending to a battle exactly 80 years ago. 

When the battle was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; some 4,400 were dead. Yet somehow, because of planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe was breached.

Participating units of 1,200 soldiers and airmen from U.S. Army Europe and Africa will take part in more than a hundred commemorative events across nearly 40 French communities throughout the Normandy region, including a U.S.-hosted ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery on June 6 and a commemorative airborne operation on June 9.

Dozens of other remembrances of this historic liberation will be held throughout the world next week, among them a commemoration at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Program highlights include recognition of D-Day and World War II veterans, guest speakers, music, and more. Representatives from each of the Allied nations and military personnel will take part. To view a livestream of this event on June 6 at 11:00am Eastern Time, click here.