D-Day 80th Anniversary and the Battle of Normandy
Originally posted on & updated on 9th November, 2025
Normandy will always be remembered for the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, pivotal events that led to the liberation of France and Europe during World War II. In 2024, we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of this historic event, marking a momentous occasion to celebrate peace, freedom and reconciliation. An unprecedented program of events was organised to bring the memory of this tragic period of world history to life while emphasising the spirit of hope.
The official international ceremony was held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Omaha Beach to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which is not a national bank holiday. This event was by invitation only and was attended by many heads of state, veterans, and officials. The presence of dignitaries underscores the importance of this day in world history, and on the day of the ceremony, several beaches and sectors were restricted for security reasons.
Schedule of Ceremonies
The commemoration events spanned several days, honouring both military and civilian sacrifices:
5th June: International Ceremony in Tribute to the Civilian Victims
Held in Saint-Lô, this ceremony paid homage to the countless civilians who suffered and perished during the Battle of Normandy.
6th June: Franco-American Ceremony
Before the official international ceremony, a Franco-American Ceremony took place in Colleville-sur-Mer, highlighting the strong ties between France and the United States forged during the war.
6th June: Official International Ceremony
The centrepiece of the commemorations was at Omaha Beach, where global leaders, veterans, and officials gathered to honour the bravery and sacrifices made during the landings.
6th June: Franco-Canadian Ceremony
Following the international ceremony, a tribute was held in Courseulles-sur-Mer to commemorate the significant contributions of the Canadian forces to the D-Day operations.
7th June: Ceremony with American President Joe Biden
US President Biden attended a ceremony in Cherbourg to mark the crucial role of American forces in the liberation of France.
7th June: Bayeux Liberation Ceremony with President Macron
In Bayeux, President Emmanuel Macron participated in a ceremony celebrating the liberation of the city, one of the first to be freed after D-Day.
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
This 80th Anniversary is not just about remembering the past but also about looking towards the future. The events aimed to educate new generations about the sacrifices made for freedom and the importance of peace and reconciliation. Normandy, with its historical landscape, offers a poignant backdrop for these reflections.
Visiting Normandy During the Commemorations
If you plan to visit Normandy during these commemorations, check for any travel restrictions and plan accordingly. The area is a particularly important site for American citizens and travellers. While certain areas will be restricted, many other historical sites and museums in Normandy offer a deep dive into the events of World War II and the Battle of Normandy. The tourist board website features a page dedicated to exploring the D-Day landing beaches without a car.
The 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings was, and remains, an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by the thousands of soldiers and civilians who fought for freedom and to honour their memory. The commemorations will bring the memory of this tragic period of world history to life while emphasising the spirit of hope that emerged from the darkness of war.
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