American Cemetery
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The impressive American Military Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer which overlooks Omaha Beach is the most famous war cemetery in Normandy. The 9387 of white marble graves are set out precisely in long lines creating a spectacular sight. |
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This American Cemetery is the scene of the opening of Hollywood blockbuster Saving Private Ryan.
It was opened on land given in perpetuity by France to the USA in recognition of the sacrifices made by American troops in order to free the country from Nazism. The cemetery reflects and honors the sacrifices that the USA made for the liberation of Europe.
From this point one can overlook Omaha Beach, the deadliest landing beach of Operation Overlord.
On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
The memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing large maps and narratives of the military operations; at the center is the bronze statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” An orientation table overlooking the beach depicts the landings in Normandy. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool; beyond is the burial area with a circular chapel and, at the far end, granite statues representing the United States and France.
A flag raising and lowering ceremony is held each day.
It was opened on land given in perpetuity by France to the USA in recognition of the sacrifices made by American troops in order to free the country from Nazism. The cemetery reflects and honors the sacrifices that the USA made for the liberation of Europe.
From this point one can overlook Omaha Beach, the deadliest landing beach of Operation Overlord.
On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
The memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing large maps and narratives of the military operations; at the center is the bronze statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” An orientation table overlooking the beach depicts the landings in Normandy. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool; beyond is the burial area with a circular chapel and, at the far end, granite statues representing the United States and France.
A flag raising and lowering ceremony is held each day.
