Located between Arromanches and Grandcamp Maisy, on the Normandy coast, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a haven of peace which encourages contemplation.
Here, in a beautifully green space perched upon a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, about 10,000 perfectly aligned white crosses point towards America.
In fact, within 173 acres, the cemetery of Omaha gives a home to the fallen American soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom during World War II, namely the first episode of the battle of Normandy, “Operation Overlord” which commenced on 6th June 1944.
The 5 Landing Beaches
Outside of Omaha Beach, the landing beaches of Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach and Utah Beach were the centre stage for the largest airborne military operation in history.
Amongst these places of remembrance, Omaha Beach is the place where The Allies lost the majority of their troops. It is also a small corner of America on French turf: given to the US, these Normand territories are managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Memorial
As well as this cemetery, the Omaha Beach site – a codename for one of the 5 ally landing sectors – is home to a semi-circle memorial, where at the centre is a bronze statue titled The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.
A chapel and orientation table stand just a stone’s throw away, pointing towards the beaches where the allied forces landed in 1944.
Discover the museum here which puts into perspective the daily life of these soldiers in France, who fought for liberty. Film, reconstitutions, uniform collections, weapons and vehicles will throw you into the heart of the history of the Normandy landings.
Address
Normandy American Cemetery
14710 Colleville-sur-Mer