US Army,
NORMANDY, France: Sixty-four years ago, a multi-national force of more than 130,000 Soldiers embarked on what is to this day, the largest one-day military invasion in history.
This year, the U.S. Army commemorates the 64th anniversary of what is now know as “D-Day” — the invasion by Allied forces of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, Point du Hoc and Utah beaches here in an effort to free France from occupation by Nazi Germany.
As part of that commemoration, Maj. Gen. David A. Morris, commander of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), will deliver a keynote speech at Omaha Beach, June 7.
The commemoration also includes a wreath-laying at several American military cemeteries, and an airborne drop at St. Mere Eglise, France.
Those involved in the commemoration said it is an honor to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices made by Soldiers during the famous D-Day invasion and other World War II battles. Every year, World War II veterans visit the fields of battle they fought on more than 60 years ago, especially those in Normandy.
Events like the commemoration provide a chance for today's Soldiers to meet with Soldiers from wars past. Such meetings provide a link between past and present, and help to carry forward the heritage of the Army that helped rid Europe of the Nazi scourge, officials said. They said today's Soldiers, like their brothers in arms from D-Day, continue to serve in the name of freedom.
Soldiers from the Army Reserve, USACAPOC, U.S. Army Europe, Seventh Army, Southern European Task Force, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Army Reserve quartermaster companies from Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee; and Soldiers from France, Britain and Germany will participate in the commemoration events.
