73rd D-Day Marked with Ceremony and Celebration in Normandy, France

All throughout the Normandy region of France, soldiers, leaders, and enthusiasts gather alike all week long to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day.

By Spc. Joseph R Agacinski , U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus Normandy, France Jun 07, 2017

View Gallery

Gallery contains 12 images

All throughout the Normandy region of France, soldiers, leaders, and enthusiasts gather alike all week long to celebrate the anniversary of June 6, 1944, a day that unites all Europeans and Americans in the single bond of victory. They gather to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in what was to be the turning point in WWII, which would ultimately lead to the Allied victory.

Celebrations culminated in a special celebratory parade in St. Mere-Eglise, France, a strategic city which would link the Allied powers from the beaches to a specific area where the Allied powers could continue their campaign against tyranny.

Solemn memorial ceremonies to the Airborne and Ranger soldiers who assisted in taking out the Axis weaponry were held preceding the parade, and paratroopers participated in a commemorative jump, honoring those gone before them by carrying on their legacy.

The USAREUR Band, whose predecessors were led by Glenn Miller, marched the streets of liberated Europe once again, performing military marches that would have been performed in the era.

Significant speeches were given by General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who spoke of the bravery of the young men, who were asked for far greater a sacrifice and selflessness than what should be expected of young men their age.

General Scaparrotti, along with the American Legion, was on hand to assist in dedicating a memorial plaque at the Iron Mike memorial in St. Mere-Eglise, France, close to where the Airborne soldiers would have landed 73 years ago.

Ceremonies will continue throughout the week marking the 73rd anniversary of the beginning of the liberation of Allied Europe.

SHAPE, USEUCOM leaders advance NATO integration during staff talks

Playing the piano at 45,000 feet: Ramstein hosts NATO fighter exercise

French delegation visits USEUCOM, strengthens strategic partnership

Ramstein hosts multi-national aero-medical exchange

Exercise Sea Breeze 2023-3 kicks off in Romania

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

United States European Command

United States European Command

73rd D-Day Marked with Ceremony and Celebration in Normandy, France

All throughout the Normandy region of France, soldiers, leaders, and enthusiasts gather alike all week long to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day.