Commemorating D-Day
The historic D-Day Landings and Battle of Normandy are still remembered and commemorated to this day. Scores of events and ceremonies are held each year, to pay tribute to the huge achievements and sacrifices of those that were involved in the liberation of Normandy.
Over the years, many members of the MVT (Military Vehicle Trust) have been proud to take their vehicles across the channel to take part in the annual commemorations and pay tribute to those men and women that took part.
Over the years, many members of the MVT (Military Vehicle Trust) have been proud to take their vehicles across the channel to take part in the annual commemorations and pay tribute to those men and women that took part.
Our members' vehicles' presence not only contribute to the events held, but also help to educate and inform the members of the public who attend them about the military and historical heritage associated with the landings. For many members this aspect is a very important part of owning an-ex military vehicle and many return every year.
Supporting our members attending these events has become a significant aspect of the Military Vehicle Trust's work and one that will continue in the future, with the creation of our #MVTDDAY24 Community.
To see pictures of previous visits click here.
Supporting our members attending these events has become a significant aspect of the Military Vehicle Trust's work and one that will continue in the future, with the creation of our #MVTDDAY24 Community.
To see pictures of previous visits click here.
The majority of events, occur in the month around and especially on, the day of, June 6th but many others are still held annually to honour the anniversary of battles that took place as the frontline advanced through Normandy and to celebrate the “liberation days” of the communities freed from Nazi occupation.
Some commemorations are small and organised by each commune, while some - like parades, parachute drops and ceremonies, occur on an international scale as all nations involved send representatives.
In recent years, liberty balls, giant public picnics, re-enactments, firework displays, triathlons and guided walks or hikes have been added to the calendar of commemorations, as the “Remembrance Tourist” industry has developed the anniversary as a public festival on a grander scale.
The “D-Day Festival Normandy” now includes over 80 events up and down the coast and attracts tourists from all over the world.
In recent years, liberty balls, giant public picnics, re-enactments, firework displays, triathlons and guided walks or hikes have been added to the calendar of commemorations, as the “Remembrance Tourist” industry has developed the anniversary as a public festival on a grander scale.
The “D-Day Festival Normandy” now includes over 80 events up and down the coast and attracts tourists from all over the world.
There are still many events however, that remain faithful to the theme of honouring those who fought and commemorating the sacrifices made.
Moving ceremonies, wreath-laying services of rembrance, concerts and church services are held in all the sectors from Utah Beach to Sword as D-Day is remembered.
Many are attended by our members, to whom this aspect of our hobby is deeply important.
The Festival Guide includes the dates for the events.
Perhaps the most moving ceremonies are those that involve the veterans that travel back to Normandy and French residents who witnessed the liberation. With fewer surviving veterans each year, these events take on more and more poignancy each year. Their ranks are bolstered by family members, Regimental Association representatives and local dignitaries. The Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer is becoming the focus of remembrance in the British Sector, with American ceremonies centering in Colleville and around Saint Mere Eglise.
Many visitors pay personal tributes as well, visiting the graves and memorials of relatives, people from their hometowns, regiments or units they have a particular interest in or just individuals whose stories have inspired them. British Legion crosses inscribed with individual messages are a ubiquitous sight throughout the cemeteries of Normandy and they are joined by other personal tributes to honour veterans such as crocheted and knotted poppies, painted stones and written messages, especially from the school groups that visit.
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A Jewish tradition is to place a pebble or stone on the top of a gravestone. The exact origin of this is unknown but it is thought the pebbles anchor the soul to the world, keeping it close to the loved ones they left behind and they remind them that someone they care for was visited, mourned for, respected, supported and honored by the presence of others who have visited. The Hebrew word for pebble is also a word that means “bond.” By placing a stone on the headstone, it bonds the deceased with the visitors.
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Every 5 years, events are planned on a huge scale and Normandy becomes the focus of global interest as dignitaries from all over the World drop in to attend the largest ceremonies. 2024 looks like it will be bigger than ever which means there will be a huge range of events on offer. There will also inevitably be increased security including road blocks, cordons and no-go areas so forward planning is essential. To find out more about 2024
Find out more about the Normandie Tourism D-Day Festival Normandy:
