Normandy American Cemetery
This World War II cemetery in France contains the graves of nearly 9,400 war dead, and nearly 1,600 names on the Walls of the Missing, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations.
This is the coastline of Normandy, France where the legendary D-Day beach landings took place.
American forces suffered over 4,000 casualties on Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of five landing sites on the Normandy coast on June 6th, 1944.
This was D-Day – the epic event that altered the course of World War II.
Today the Normandy American Cemetery, sited on a bluff high above the coast, is one of the world’s best-known military memorials.
These hallowed grounds preserve the remains of nearly 9,400 Americans who died during the Allied liberation of France.
Three Medal of Honor recipients rest here.
Forty-five sets of brothers lie side by side.
The visitor center describes the events and significance of the D-Day landings and the ensuing campaign for Normandy.
Every year over a million visitors come to pay their respects to the fallen and learn more about the crucial events that happened here.
Within the picturesque trees, an immense array of headstones rises in long regular rows.
At the west end of the cemetery, granite statues represent the United States and France.
A small chapel sits at the center of the cemetery.
Inside, a ceiling mosaic depicts America blessing her sons as they depart to fight for freedom.
In the open arc of the memorial, a bronze statue symbolizes the indomitable spirit of American youth.
Over 1,500 names are carved on the walls in the Garden of the Missing behind the memorial.
The daunting challenges and intense combat of the campaigns to liberate France live on in this inspiring burial ground – the final resting place for so many courageous American servicemen and women.