Normandy American Cemetery

Normandy American Cemetery

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Normandy, in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, about 40 minutes drive from Caen, close to the Overlord Museum and Omaha Beach Signal Monument the Normandy American Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during World War II. 

The cemetery is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion, and the English Channel. It covers 172.5 acres.

Established in 1944, this sacred ground serves as the final resting place for over 9,388 American soldiers who gave their lives in the D-Day landings and subsequent operations. 

The cemetery is the most visited cemetery of those maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), with one million visitors a year. 

HISTORY

On June 6, 1944, the 607th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company of the U.S. First Army established the first American cemetery on French soil during World War II. This temporary cemetery marked the initial resting place for fallen soldiers. After the war, the current cemetery was established, situated a short distance east of the original site.

Dedicated on July 19, 1956, the Normandy American Cemetery holds profound historical significance. The dedication ceremony, graced by American Admiral Kinkaid of the U.S. Navy and French General Ganeval, was a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made by Allied forces. Their presence represented the unity and gratitude shared between the United States and France.

In perpetuity, France has generously granted the United States a special concession for the land occupied by the cemetery. This gesture reflects the enduring respect and honour bestowed upon the brave soldiers who fought and died for freedom. 

Nowadays

Managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the cemetery is meticulously maintained to honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Opened to the public shortly after its establishment, visitors are invited to pay their respects and learn about the profound significance of this historic site.

Map of the landings on the Normandy beaches

Upon entering the cemetery, visitors are greeted by rows of pristine white marble crosses and Stars of David, each marking the grave of a fallen hero. The meticulously landscaped grounds offer a serene setting for reflection and remembrance.

As visitors wander through the meticulously maintained grounds, they are encouraged to take a moment to pause at the gravesites, to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who rest here.

The Normandy American Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and a testament to the enduring bond between the United States and France.

 

Museum and Visitor’s Center

In addition to the cemetery grounds, visitors can explore the on-site museum in the Visitors Center, which offers a comprehensive overview of the D-Day landings and the ensuing Battle of Normandy.

Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that provide insight into the harrowing events of June 6, 1944, and the ensuing liberation of Europe.

The Visitor Center at the Normandy American Cemetery is a small building at Your right when You go to the Cemetery itself containing a very nice Museum, Cinema with short documentary and bathrooms. It is highly recommended to visit it. 

Visiting this quite small museum You will  better understand the historical significance of this hallowed ground. Here, visitors can delve into the compelling stories of courage and sacrifice displayed throughout the cemetery. 

The Visitor Center features a wealth of exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that provide insight into the Allied invasion of Normandy and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. Through immersive displays and interactive experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on D-Day and the profound impact of the liberation of Europe.

Whether paying respects to fallen heroes, conducting research, or simply seeking to learn more about this pivotal moment in history, the Visitor Center at the Normandy American Cemetery provides a meaningful and educational experience for visitors from around the world.

Frag-lowering

Throughout the day, visitors may witness poignant ceremonies, including the solemn ritual of flag-lowering, a tribute to the fallen that occurs each evening at sunset.

In summer season it starts at 16:45, in low season at 15:45.

"Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves"

Memorial

The Memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing maps and details of the Normandy landings and military operations that followed. 

The Memorial from the other side of the reflecting pool

It is built in medium-hard limestone from upper Burgundy. 

At the memorial's center is a 22-foot bronze statue entitled The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves by Donald De Lue.

Two of the maps, designed by Robert Foster, are 32 feet long and 20 feet high.

Map of the military operations in Western Europe

 

Map of the air operations over Normandy

Over the arches of the Memorial is engraved “THIS EMBATTLED SHORE, PORTAL OF FREEDOM, IS FOREVER HALLOWED BY THE IDEALS, THE VALOR AND THE SACRIFICES OF OUR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN”.

At the feet of the Memorial is engraved both in English and French “IN PROUD REMEMBRANCE OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HER SONS AND IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THEIR SACRIFICES THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.

 

Wall of Missing

The semi-circular gardens bear the 1,557 engraved names of service members declared missing in action in Normandy. Most of them were lost at sea.

19 of these names bear a bronze rosette next to their name, meaning that their body was recovered and identified after the cemetery's dedication.

Above the walls is engraved, both in English and French,
“★ COMRADES IN ARMS WHOSE RESTING PLACE IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD ★
★ HERE ARE RECORDED THE NAMES OF AMERICANS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY AND WHO SLEEP IN UNKNOWN GRAVES ★ THIS IS THEIR MEMORIAL ♦ THE WHOLE EARTH THEIR SEPULCHER ★”.

Chapel

Walking around You will visit as well Memorial Chapel, adorned with intricate mosaics depicting scenes of American military operations in Normandy.

Nestled at the heart of the cemetery stands a multi-confessional chapel, adorned with striking features that honour soldiers of all faiths.

The altar, crafted from black and gold Pyrenean marble, bears the poignant inscription: “I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH.” Behind it, stained glass windows depict a Latin cross, a Star of David, and symbols of alpha and omega, symbolising inclusivity across religions.

Above, a breathtaking mosaic by Leon Kroll graces the chapel's ceiling. Completed in 1953, this masterpiece comprises 500,000 tiles, weaving a compelling narrative of "war and peace" that resonates with visitors."

Practical informations

The Normandy American Cemetery typically operates with the following opening hours:

• Summer (April 15th to September 15th): Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
• Winter (September 16th to April 14th): Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Last Admission is half an hour before closing.
• Time recommended to spend is at least One hour.
• The Normandy American Cemetery is closed on January 1st (New Year's Day) and December 31st (New Year's Eve).

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You can learn more about Normandy American Cemetery visiting its official web site https://www.abmc.gov/normandy