On June 6, 1944, a massive Allied force of more than 160,000 soldiers crossed the English Channel to engage in Operation Overlord on the 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline of Normandy. There were five landing zones, given special code names that have become forever ingrained in the identity of the region: Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom); Utah Beach (United States) and Omaha Beach (United States). The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach-clearing teams difficult and dangerous.
The cost in lives on D-Day was high. Allied casualties on the first day alone were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. These were young men facing unimaginable circumstances and making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. They did not fight in vain. The bloody struggle continued until Paris was finally liberated on August 25, 1944.
Our D-Day tours help you honor this legacy of selfless bravery. Stand in the bunkers on Juno Beach and hear the waves crashing just as our soldiers did all those years ago. Attend a Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate in Flanders. Travel to Paris and pay homage at the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe.
