Program of the 72nd anniversary of D-Day in Normandy
Sainte Mère Eglise – Utah Beach – Carentan
May – June 2016
Updated May, 30th 2016
Download the 72nd dday anniversary program Normandy 2016
Here is the 72nd anniversary of D-Day program for May-June 2016
in Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Utah Beach – Sainte Marie du Mont, Carentan…
You will find ceremonies, festivities, reconstitution of military camps, hikes, military fairs.. on the territory of Baie du Cotentin, Normandy.
Don’t hesitate to have a look regurlarly!
D-Day Festival program May-June 2016 Normandy
Link to event website
2016 D-Day festival program on Landing beaches
Download dates and events of 72nd D-Day anniversary on Normandy beaches
Saturday 14th May – Saturday 15th October
Sainte Mère Eglise
Exhibition « A German prisoner camp in Foucarville » at Airborne Museum
Apart from Foucarville and Ravenoville inhabitants, only a few people knows about the German prisoner camp set there between 1944 and 1947. It was called: “Continental Central Enclosure n°19 » and was built initially for 20,000 men but was enlarged to welcome 60,000. A real town has been built with time with electrical lighting, roads, toilets and bathrooms, water supplies (600,000 liters per day) and a railway.
This exhibition will present unpublished information and testimonies so as original items in their environment that have never been presented until now. But even more than the life in the camp, relationships between prisoners and inhabitants, this exhibition is allowing a question about the role of this prison that displayed an aim: reeducating German young men back to democracy.
In French, English and German. Included in entrance fee.
Friday 13th May: Official inauguration with commented visit, speeches and film projection. (with invitation only)
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Sunday 15th May – Thursday 15th September
Utah Beach – Sainte Marie du Mont
Exhibition on WW1. These four years of terrible war are presented through 20 graphs designed by ONAC (Veteran association) with items and memories from French Veterans.
Organization: D-Day landing Musuem – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Friday 20th May
Sainte Mère Eglise
9 a.m.: Opening of the Ronald Reagan Conference center at Airborne Museum.
This 4th building completes the museum with a space for a conference center, a cinema and a temporary exhibition room.
In normal configuration, half the space is dedicated to a temporary exhibition, the other half to the cinema. For special events like seminars or conferences, the space is adapted to the animation program of the museum.
Ronald Reagan Foundation is headed by Michael Reagan, son of the USA President (1981-1989). the foundation wanted to financially help this project and also create a long-lasting partnership concerning the conferences.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Monday 23rd May
Sainte Mère Eglise
4 p.m.: Meeting with Guy Stern.
Born in Germany in 1921, he emigrated to United States in 1937. He has lost his entire family that was deported to Varsovie ghetto. He volunteered as soldier in 1943 then he landed on Utah Beach on June, 9th 1944. Richie Boys member, specialized in psychological war, he was ( among other tasks) in charge of Foucarville camp prisoners’ interview. He published several books about German litterature and has received plenty of American and German awards. Today, he is still director of International Institute of the Righteous « Harry et Wanda Zekelman », Farmington Hills (Détroit, USA).
Included in entrance fee.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Tuesday 24th May
Utah Beach, Sainte Marie du Mont
4 p.m.: Meeting with Guy Stern, followed by a documentary projection about Mr Stern actions “What history forgot”.
See more information above.
Organization: Utah Beach Museum – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Friday 27th May
Sainte Mère Eglise
8:30 p.m.: Conference by Fabien Theofilakis, historian, as part of exhibition « A German prisoner camp in Foucarville » and for his book « le rôle des prisonniers de guerre allemands dans la réconciliation franco-allemande » (French only). Signing session as introduction to the book show.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Saturday 28th (2 p.m.-6:30 p.m) and Sunday 29th May (10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m.)
Sainte Mère Eglise
Book show “History and Memories”, at the townhall. Guest of honor: Gilles Perrault. Organization: Communauté de Communes. Information: Médiathèque of Sainte Mère Eglise – 00 332 33 04 60 19 – mediatheque-steme@orange.fr
Saturday 28th May – Monday 6th June
Sainte Mère Eglise
Exhibition “Role of Resistance during the Battle of Normandy“, at mediatheque. (lent by Comité Régional Résistance et Mémoire, Combattants Volontaires de la Résistance and Compagnie Scamaroni).
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18 ou mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
Saturday 28th May – Wednesday 15th June
Saint Côme du Mont
Exhibition: German paratrooper jump vest of 6th FJR brought back by Lt. Dick Winters from Carentan’s battle. At Dead Man’s Corner Museum.
Free entrance. Organization: D-Day Paratrooper Historical Center – 0033 233 23 61 95 – www.paratrooper-museum.org
Saturday 28th May
Ravenoville – Sainte Mère Eglise
International March for Peace – “Peace is still possible” – 10th edition – 19 km
From 9 a.m. on: gathering at Ravenoville (Beach). 10 a.m. : Start for the first 10 km
You pass next to Crisbecq German Battery before a lunch stop at Azeville Battery at 12:30 p.m.
2 p.m.: Start for 5,5 km. 3:30 p.m. : “Tea time” at chateau Grandval in Neuville au Plain
4 p.m.: Start for the last 3,5 km.
5 p.m.: Arrival on the church’ square in Sainte Mère Eglise (through rue 505e Airborne)
6 p.m.: Ecomenical service in the church of Sainte Mère Eglise
7 p.m.: Dinner at the hall market in Sainte Mère Eglise (with prior booking)
You can join the walk from any point. A minibus follows to welcome tired hikers.
The walk does not allow any vehicle, motorcycle, bikes or re-enactment uniform.
Shuttle service is available to join Ravenoville if you leave your vehicle in Sainte Mère Eglise or to go back if you leave you car if Ravenoville.
Organisation : http://marche-internationale-pour-la-paix.fr
Sainte-Mère-Eglise
During the book show
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Meeting with Michel Lebonnois: Historic explanation about New France and Canada emergence (30 min.), followed by reading of his new novel « Marie la Normande, Fille du Roy » and exchange with the public. Free, French only. At médiathèque.
Opening times: 10a .m.-12 p.m. / 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Organization: Médiathèque – 0033 233 04 60 19 – mediatheque-steme@orange.fr
Sunday 29th May
Amfreville
11 a.m.: Memorial Day at the 507th PIR Monument. Organization: US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr
Picauville
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Military fair in Salle Jean-Claude Flambard, rue d’Utah Beach.
Entrance fee: 2,50 €. Exhibitors : 8 €/m.
Organization: Picauville se souvient – 02 33 41 02 48- charles.dennebouy@orange.fr
Tuesday 31st May
Sainte Mère Eglise
6 p.m.: Soldiers have dinner in local families. Meeting at the townhall. Organization: AVA (Amis des Vétérans Américains) – contact@avanormandie.org
Wednesday 1st – Wednesday 8th June
Sainte Mère Eglise
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Reconstruction of « Geronimo » American military camp with scenes of American Airborne troops in Normandy.
Several animations and workshops on the camp. Night opening until 10 p.m. on Saturday 5th.
Field hospital, military post, paratrooper and pathfinder equipment, tank displays, American aerial reconnaissance plane presentation: all day long
Supply zone and vehicle maintenance.
Friday 3rd until Tuesday 7th June, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles, in front of Aiborne Museum
Saturday 4th and Sunday, 5th June, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Display of battery deployment for three 105mm cannons, on the camp
Sunday 5th June, 6 p.m.: Military vehicle-parade on the streets
Associations: Enfer Normand, Overlord 76, V for Victory and MCVG Bretagne.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 02 33 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Wednesday 1st June
Beuzeville au Plain
4 p.m.: Exhibition of American military vehicles. Organization: Townhall in partnership with association 329e Buckshot – 0033 233 21 28 98
6:30 p.m.: Ceremony at monument dedicated to men from C-47 of 4369th TCG and 506th Regiment of 101st Airborne. on the church’ square. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 21 28 98
Picauville
7 p.m.: Historic walk
10 km-hike with commentaries “Freedom came from the ground and the skies”. Vintage and military outfits authorized without any real ou display weapons.
Fees: 2€/pers. Souvenir leaflet: 3 €. Meeting at salle du prieuré (next to the church) from 6 p.m. with BBQ take-away on site.
Limited number of participants. With prior booking at the Tourist Office: 00 33 (0)2 33 21 00 33- ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Tourist Office in partnership with association “Picauville se souvient”
Thursday 2nd June – Tuesday 7th June
Sainte Marie du Mont
Reconstruction of a US military camp with diorama and displays, around the church. Presentation of equipment, aid post, commanding post and GI everyday’s life scenes. Exhibition of armored vehicles. Food take-away on site.
Friday 3rd June, 8 p.m.: Liberation style evening with 1940’s music.
Organization: Club du Souvenir Militaire – 0033 233 71 56 54 – leholdy@orange.fr
Thursday 2nd June
Chef du Pont
12 p.m.: Rural lunch under tent at Rex Combs’ square. With prior booking. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 43 18
2 p.m. : Ceremony at square Rex Combs. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 43 18
Fresville
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of parachute drops from C-47 planes with men in original uniform, in Saussetour. Organization: RCPT – staff@rcpt.eu – www.rcpt.eu
Hiesville
2:30 p.m.: Historic walk
9 km – walk with commentaries “the Night when the Eagles screamed”. Follow the paths of 101st Airborne paratroopers through history of June 1944.
Vintage and military outfits authorized without any real or display weapons. Meeting at the village car park.
New in 2016: Quiz along the walk. Replica of a Drop-zone marking.
Fees: 2€/pers. Souvenir leaflet: 3 €. Limited number of participants. With prior booking at the Tourist Office: 00 33 (0)2 33 21 00 33- ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Tourist Office in partnership with association “US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude”
Picauville
10 a.m.: Ceremony at USAAF monument, parking du Prieuré, in front of the church.
In honor of Airborne troops and crews with military authorities, a large unit of American soldiers (paratroopers and flight crew) so as German paratroopers. Military music.
Organization: Picauville Se Souvient – 02 33 41 02 48 – 07 83 19 49 43 – charles.dennebouy@orange.fr
Sainte Mère Eglise
9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Military fair at the market hall. Entrance fee: 4 €/person. Exhibitors: 15 €/m.
Organization: Association Timberwolves – 0033 608 45 24 65 – ballesterbarth@aol.com
4 p.m.: Ceremony at Alexandre Renaud monument, rue Général de Gaulle
4:30 p.m.: Memorial service in the church
5:30 p.m. : Ceremony at AVA monument, rue Général de Gaulle
Organization: AVA (Amis des Vétérans Américains) – contact@ava-normandie.org
Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th June
Carentan
Reconstruction of a US camp with 1940’s military and civilian exhibitions: “Arizona camp“.
Friday 3rd June
9 a.m.: Opening to the public – free visit
5 p.m.: come and cheer on camp teams for a military obstacle course
7 p.m.: GI’s soup served by Red Cross nurses in 1940’s uniform
9 p.m.: Evening “Stage Door Canteen” with Mike&Deborah and Doughnut Dollies (1940’s atmosphere, evening dress)
Saturday 4th June
9 a.m.: Opening to the public – free visit
11 a.m.: Vehicle blessing with Father Lefrançois, former military Chaplain. Tribute to victims, with three Piper bands.
12:30 p.m. : Come and recreate an 1944’s liberation picnic. Vintage clothes and accessories have to be (chairs, tableware…). Bring your sandwiches!
2 p.m.: Exhibition baseball match, women against men (camp members only)
5 p.m.: come and cheer on camp teams for a military obstacle course
9 p.m.: Concert USO Camp Show with band Flying Chickens
Sunday 5th June
9 a.m.: Opening to the public – free visit
10 a.m.: Departure of military and civilian vehicle convoy toward Historical Center in Saint Côme du Mont
12 p.m.: Parade of military and civilian vehicles in town and exhibition on place du Grand Valnoble (town center)
Free entrance and parkings, Round-about of the hall market, rue de la Guingette, next to Intermarché supermarket.
Food take-away. “Histoire et Collections” stand proposes books and brochures on the Battle of Normandy, 20th Century History and military vehicles.
Organization: CAPA – camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com – 0033 634 03 46 45
Sainte Mère Eglise
Fun fair, at the market hall car park.
Friday 3rd June – Monday 6th June
Carentan
10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.: Presentation of Landing craft L.C.V.P. “PA30-4” at the marina / quai de Caligny
Information – projet presentation – guided visits by association members.
Monday, 6th, beaching in Utah Beach around 11 a.m..Landing craft will return to the marina at about 1:45 p.m.
Organization: association CHALLENGE L.C.V.P. – Higgins Boat – secretaire@challengelcvp.com – www.challengelcvp.com
Friday 3rd June
Carentan
8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Military fair at the hall market, route Américaine. Free entrance. Exhibitors: 15€/m
Organization: association BBB – 00 33 671 96 46 70 – bbbww2@live.fr
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Conference on Carentan’s battle and 506th/101st Airborne American paratroopers. Exchanges before Ian Gardner and Denis Van den Brink. At the theatre. Free. Organiszation: Townhall – 0033 233 42 74 00 (no prior booking)
Around 2.30 p.m.-3 p.m.: Re-enactment of parachute drops from C-47 planes above the marshlands with men with original uniforms on “Purple Hearts Lane”, road between Saint-Côme-du-Mont and Carentan.French and English commentaries.
Food take-away on site. Organization: RCPT – staff@rcpt.eu or www.rcpt.eu and Townhall – 00 33 (0) 233 42 74 00
5 p.m.: Official ceremony at Carré de Choux (in front of “But” furniture store). Parade of American and French soldiers and personalities to the Townhall. Ceremony at Signal Monument. Organization: Townhall – 00 33 (0) 233 42 74 00
On Arizona Camp
5 p.m.: come and cheer on camp teams for a military obstacle course
7 p.m.: GI’s soup served by Red Cross nurses in 1940’s uniform in memory of actions and support of Red Cross women to soldiers during military operations.
9 p.m.: Evening “Stage Door Canteen” with Mike&Deborah and Doughnut Dollies (1940’s atmosphere, evening dress)
Organization: CAPA – camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com – 0033 634 03 46 45
Foucarville
Ceremonie at the monument in memory of the former German prisoner camp. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 46 30
Graignes
From 11 a.m.: Historic parachute drop from a C-47 plane. In Graignes marshland, in memory of men from 507th PIR and 501st PIR so a Graignes civilians.
Organization : Liberty Jump Team – libertyjumpteam@aol.com – www.libertyjumpteam.org
Méautis
8 p.m.: Dinner-Jazz concert. Come and share a 1940’s style meal in front of the manor with jazz concert, surprises… Price: 15 €/person.
11.15 p.m.: Night spectacle with theatre-cinema and re-enactment of the storming of the manor of Donville in June 1944.
Price: 8 €/person. With prior booking.
Organization: Manoir de Donville – 00 33 (0) 233 42 03 22 – 00 33 (0) 647 51 02 69 – www.manoirdedonville.fr
Picauville
6:30 p.m.: Ceremony at 90th ID monument at the corner between route d’Utah Beach and rue Pasteur.
In honor of the 90th Infantry Division soldiers and with several American civilian and military authorities and American military unit (paratroopers and USAAF crew members) and many German paratroopers. Military music to be confirmed.
Organization : Picauville Se Souvient – 00 33 233 41 02 48 – 0033 783 19 49 43 – charles.dennebouy@orange.fr
7:30-8 p.m.: Friendship dinner in salle Jean- Claude Flambard, rue d’Utah Beach. In order to thank all American and German military units that honored us with their presence at ceremonies in Picauville. With ambassador representants and military authorities.
Open to the public with prior booking: 25€/person.
Organization : Picauville Se Souvient – 00 33 233 41 02 48 – 0033 783 19 49 43 – charles.dennebouy@orange.fr
Saint Marcouf de l’Isle
2 p.m. and 5 p.m: Spectacle “Crisbecq Attack” (around 30 min.) in Crisbecq site.
Prices: 10 €/adult, 7 €/child (6-12 years old), including the Battery visit.
Organization: Crisbecq battery, in partnership with association les Lufteaux – 0033 668 41 09 04 – www.batterie-marcouf.com
Sainte Marie du Mont
Liberation style evening with 1940’s music, around the church. Organization: Club du Souvenir Militaire – 0033 233 71 56 54 – leholdy@orange.fr
Sainte Mère Eglise
10 a.m. : Flowering of the monument dedicated to Generals Gavin and Ridgway, in front of the townhall. Organization : C-47 Club Normandy Chapter – c-47clubnormandychapter@hotmail.fr
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles, on the church’ square.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
2 p.m.: Projection of the movie « Prisonnier du D-Day » , followed by a debate with the director, George Guillot in the C-47 building.
Meeting with historian Valentin SCHNEIDER about his book “Un million de prisonniers allemands en France, 1944-1948”. Signing session. (French only)
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
7p.m.-10 p.m.: Late Night at the museum.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
8:30-9:30 p.m. : Concert of 82nd Airborne choir, on the church’ square. Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18
9:45 p.m.-11 p.m.: Concert “The Muddy Hill Boys” (Bluegrass, Rockabilly music) on the church’ square. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
Saturday 4th June to December
Utah Beach – Sainte Marie du Mont
9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Exhibition “Ces hommes là” by Adeline Keil photographer.
Thanks to these photographs at men’s height, meet veterans of Utah Beach Landing divisions. Stare at their eyes and imagine their emotions in June 1944.
Organization: Utah Beach Museum – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Saturday 4th June
Amfreville
11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the 507th PIR Monument. Organization: Townhall in partnership with US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr
Angoville au Plain – Carentan les Marais
11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the monument in honor of Robert E. Wright and Kenneth J. Moore, medics of the 2nd Battalion /501st Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne
Organization: Townhall – 00 33 (0) 233 71 99 58
Carentan
Carentan Liberty March
Carentan LibertyMarch is a historic walk for re-enactors of American paratroopers in WW2. In 2016, walk in the steps of 506th PIR / 101st Airborne troops. With you, we wish to give tribute to all these men during the walk. Military and civilian diorama will be set along the way and allow you to be part of one of the major ww2 scenes. Limited number of participants.
8:30 a.m.: Start – 4:30 p.m.: arrival place de la République. Organization : Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com
11 a.m.: Vehicle blessing with Father Lefrançois, former military Chaplain. Tribute to victims, with three Piper bands, at Arizona camp.
Organization: CAPA – camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com – 0033 634 03 46 45
1:15 p.m.: 6 km-hike with commentaries “Battle of Carentan”. Meeting at place du Grand Valnoble. Departure with bus at 1:30 p.m. toward la Barquette bridge, walk back to place de la République (arrival around 4 p.m.).
Booking: Tourist office – 0033 233 71 23 50 – ot.carentan@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Colette Noel and Patrick Fissot
2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: On place de la République
Concert with “The Hoppers” (swing and 1940’s american music)
4 p.m.: Exodus re-enactment: come and take part of this event and dress in 1940’s civilian clothes with accessories and vehicles (hat, handbag, suitcase, bicycle…)
Organization: Carentan Liberty Group – lesneangelique@free.fr
Have a look at 1940’s clothes and fashion – leaflet only in French – “Mode années 1940”
4:15 p.m.: Parade of military vehicles. Organization : Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com
4:30 p.m. : Arrival of Carentan Liberty March on place de la République. Re-enactment of 23rd June 1944 Silver Star ceremony.
Organization : Carentan Liberty Group – carentanlibertymarch@outlook.com
On Arizona camp
12:30 p.m. : Come and recreate a 1944’s liberation picnic. Vintage clothes and accessories have to be (chairs, tableware…). Bring your sandwiches!
2 p.m.: Exhibition baseball match, women against men (camp members only)
5 p.m.: come and cheer on camp teams for a military obstacle course
9 p.m.: Concert USO Camp Show with band Flying Chickens
Organization: CAPA – camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com – 0033 634 03 46 45
6 p.m.: Musical about D-Day in Normandy, salle du théâtre. Free entrance.
8:30 p.m.: Great liberation dance with jazz-swing band “Bul Mazette” and “The Hoppers”, salle des fêtes. Entrance fee : 7 €.
Organization: Carentan Liberty Group – 0033 233 42 19 86 – baldelaliberationcarentan@gmail.com
Catz
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Military fair at the Normandy Tank Museum.
Entrance fee: 4 €. Exhibitors: 15 €/m.
Organization: The Black Lions – 0033 616 16 36 00 – black-lions@sfr.fr
Gourbesville
10 a.m. (time to be confirmed): Ceremony at the 90th Infantry and 82nd Airborne Divisions.
Organization: Townhall in partnership with US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr
Hémévez
2:30 p.m.: Ceremony at paratroopers monument. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 21 13 19
Méautis
8 p.m.: Dinner-Jazz concert. Come and share a 1940’s style meal in front of the manor with jazz concert, suprises… Price: 15 €/person.
11.15 p.m.: Night spectacle with theatre-cinema and re-enactment of the storming of the manor of Donville in June 1944.
Price: 8 €/person. With prior booking.
Organization: Manoir de Donville – 00 33 (0) 233 42 03 22 – 00 33 (0) 647 51 02 69 – www.manoirdedonville.fr
Montebourg
3:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles in partnership with MVCG Bretagne.
5 p.m.: Ceremony at 4th ID square. Parade with soldiers starts from the townhall.
Organization : Townhall – 0033 233 95 40 50
Picauville
3 p.m.: Ceremony and inauguration of a plaque in honor of Chaplain MATERNOWSKI (508th PIR) in Guetteville hamlet.
Organization: US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude – daniel.briard@hotmail.fr
5 p.m.: Official tribuite ommage officiel au vétéran américain Chester Graham, 508e PIR de la 82e Airborne, décédé le dimanche 6 septembre 2015. Au monument USAAF, près de l’Eglise. Organisation : Mairie – 02 33 41 00 18
Saint Côme du Mont
From 10 a.m.: 15 American Veterans will be at the D-Day Experience. Come and meet the men that fought for our Freedom.
Organization : D-Day paratroopers Historical Center – 0033 233 23 61 95 – www.paratrooper-museum.org
Saint Marcouf de l’Isle
2 p.m. and 5 p.m: Spectacle “Crisbecq Attack” (around 30 min.) in Crisbecq site.
9 p.m.: Night spectacle (around 1h)
Prices: 10 €/adult, 7 €/child (6-12 years old), including the Battery visit.
Organization: Crisbecq battery, in partnership with association les Lufteaux – 0033 668 41 09 04 – www.batterie-marcouf.com
Sainte Marie du Mont
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Military fair in open air, next to the sportfield. Free entrance.
Organization: Club du Souvenir Militaire – 0033 233 71 56 54 – leholdy@orange.fr
6 p.m.: Commented visit with re-enactors on Holdy Battery site. Entrance fee: 4 €.
Realistic museographie on Holdy Battery site on Saturday,4th and Sunday, 5th
Organization: Mémoire du Holdy – 0033 233 44 81 20 – batterieduholdy@laposte.net
Sainte Mère Eglise
All day long: Tandem parachute jumps above Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
Dive in History of D-Day in Normandy. Meeting at the Cherbourg-Maupertus airport to board the plane and fly above the Cotentin and Utah Beach Coasts before your get ready to jump! Prices: 370 €/person, video+photos: 135 €, video: 105 €. Prior booking: Tourist Office of Sainte-Mère-Eglise – 0033 233 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: A2parachutisme.com
10 a.m.: Display of battery deployment for three 105 mm cannons, on Geronimo Camp.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles, on the church square.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
11 a.m.: In deambulation, “Jazzyclette”, three musicians with banjo, clarinet and saxophone playing and pedaling in rythm.
Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
Stop off for 300 cyclists of Way of Liberty (6 nations)
11:30 a.m.: wreath laying at Iron Mike Monument, la Fière.
11:45 a.m.: Photo at Borne 0 in front of the townhall.
12 p.m.: Wreath laying at Signal Monument with performance by 82nd Airborne choir.
Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
12 p.m.: Normandy-Day Picnic, on the church’ square. Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
1 p.m.: Concert “The Night’s Cats” (Rock’n’Roll and Rockabilly). Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
10 a.m.: Display of battery deployment for three 105 mm cannons, on Geronimo Camp.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
2 p.m.-5 p.m.: American Marching Band concerts, on the church square.
5 p.m.: American Marching Band parade, in the streets
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
2:30 and 4 p.m. : Theater play « Mother of Normandy » about the life of Simone Renaud (Mayor’s wife in 1944) and particularly her relationships with American families of the soldiers who came for our Freedom. Spectacle in French and English with youngs from “Langue fourchue du papillon” and Locust Valley (USA) students. At Airborne Museum. Duration: 50 min. Included in Museum’s entrance fees.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of American paratrooper stick preparation before boarding. Commentaries about equipment, uniform… Duration: 30-40 min. In front of Airborne Museum.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of parachute drops from C-47 planes with men in original uniform, in la Londe (Road to Beuzeville au Plain, next to former A-6 Airfield). Around 5 p.m., paratroopers come back to the church’ square for a display of parachute folding. Organization: RCPT – staff@rcpt.eu – www.rcpt.eu
7p.m.-10 p.m.: Late Night at the Airborne museum.
7 p.m.: Banquet of Liberty at the hall market. Share a dinner and evening with paratroopers from different nationalities that will make the show on Sunday during the parachute drops. Some Veterans and family will also attend the dinner. Limited number of participants. With prior booking until 1st May 2016.
Entrance fees: 30 €/adult – 13 €/child (7-12 years old) – your participation help to finance Veterans & family coming and soldiers invitation.
Booking: Tourist office in Sainte Mère Eglise – 0033 233 21 00 33 – ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: AVA (Amis des Vétérans Américains) – contact@ava-normandie.org
8:30- 11 p.m.: Concerts on the church’ square. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
8:30p.m.-9:45 p.m.: « Les Frères Jack » (three 1930’s style dandys to swingon 1940’s style
10 p.m.-11 p.m.: « Ca vous chante » (vintage music, swing, jazz…)
11 p.m.: Firework, on the church’ square. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
Sainteny
10 a.m.: Welcome to Jack Port, 4th ID Veteran and to Miller family, 83rd ID by the Mayor on Saint Pierre square.
10:30 a.m.: Ceremony at la Roserie, RD 171, direction Périers, second road on your left.
11:15 a.m.: Ceremony at les Forges (RD 171)
12 p.m.: Friendship glass at salle des fêtes
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 42 05 64
Utah Beach, Sainte Marie du Mont
3 p.m. : Commemorative ceremony with American, German and French troops. Organization: Townhall – 00 33 233 71 58 00
Evening: Concert on Museum esplanade followed by a release of sky lanterns on the beach.
Organization: Utah Beach Museum – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Sunday 5th June
Brévands
10 a.m.: Ceremony in honor of 101st Airborne American paratroopers, at hamlet “le Moulin”. Organization: Réal Desmarets – filthy.13@hotmail.com
Carentan
10 a.m. : Parade of military and civilian vehicles. Start from Arizona Camp (in front of Intermarché supermarket) toward Historical Center in Saint Côme du Mont (11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.), parade in town and exhibition on place du Grand Valnoble (around 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.).
Organization: CAPA – camp.arizona.normandie@gmail.com – 0033 634 03 46 45
2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.: Theater play “what if we would build Peace together”, salle du théâtre. In French and English. Free contribution.
Organization : Townhall – 0033 233 42 74 00
2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: US sports afternoon
Animations and display of US sports: baseball, American football, basketball… in a great atmosphere and public participation. With American soldiers.
1940’s music entertainment. Food take-away on site.
In front of the campsite, next to the marina. Free entrance.
Organization: Townhall – 02 33 42 74 00
Méautis
8 p.m.: Dinner-Jazz concert. Come and share a 1940’s style meal in front of the manor with jazz concert, suprises… Price: 15 €/person.
11.15 p.m.: Night spectacle with theatre-cinema and re-enactment of the storming of the manor of Donville in June 1944.
Price: 8 €/person. With prior booking.
Organization: Manoir de Donville – 00 33 (0) 233 42 03 22 – 00 33 (0) 647 51 02 69 – www.manoirdedonville.fr
Saint Côme du Mont
11 a.m.: Wreath laying at war memorial, at the church and at the monument in memory of Lieutnant-colonel Wolverton – 3rd battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne (after the sport field, on the right). Organization : Townhall – 033 233 42 41 87
Saint Marcouf de l’Isle
2 p.m. and 5 p.m: Spectacle “Crisbecq Attack” (around 30 min.) in Crisbecq site.
Prices: 10 €/adult, 7 €/child (6-12 years old), including the Battery visit.
Organization: Crisbecq battery, in partnership with association les Lufteaux – 0033 668 41 09 04 – www.batterie-marcouf.com
Sainte Mère Eglise, Picauville, Amfreville
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: “Jazzyclette” in deambulation. three musicians with banjo, clarinet and saxophone playing and pedaling in rythm.
Organization: Mairie – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
11 a.m.: Parachute drops at la Fière, 3 km away from the centre of Sainte Mère Eglise, direction Picauville.
With military paratroopers (around 500 men and 7 planes, several fly-by) and re-enactors from Round Canopy Parachuting Team (RCPT) and Liberty Jump Team (LJT)
3 p.m. : Ceremony at Iron Mike Monument, la Fière
Organization: Townhall and AVA (Amis des Vétérans Américains) – contact@ava-normandie.org
5 p.m.: Soldiers go back to Sainte Mère Eglise center
Sainte Mère Eglise
9 a.m. : Ceremony at the Monument in memory of the temporary military cemeteries, at the sportfield. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
9:30 a.m. :Memorial mass, at the church. Organization: Centre paroissial – 0033 233 41 41 48
10 a.m.: Display of battery deployment for three 105 mm cannons, on Geronimo Camp.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles, on the church square.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
2 p.m.: Concert Jean-Marie Thomas (1940’s American music)
2 p.m.: Display of battery deployment for three 105 mm cannons, on Geronimo Camp.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
3 p.m.: Re-enactment of American paratrooper stick preparation before boarding. Commentaries about equipment, uniform… Duration: 30-40 min. In front of Airborne Museum.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
3:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.: Vintage talent-show and music entertainments, on the church’ square. Let’s recreate 1940’s Talent Show! Amateur singers or bands, come and perform in professional technical conditions. Singers or bands must perform songs or music pieces from 1940’s-1950’s. Public prize with applause-meter.
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
5:45 p.m. : Paratroopers come back from la Fière. Welcome and speech from the Mayor with troop review.
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18 – mairie-sme@wanadoo.fr
6 p.m.: Parade of military vehicles in the streets (time according to parachute drops and soldiers parade). Exhibition rue Eisenhower until 7 p.m.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Utah Beach, Sainte Marie du Mont
1 a.m. (night from Saturday to Sunday) : Night historic hike “the longest night” on the paths of American paratroopers and infantrymen of June, 6th 1944 in Cotentin area. Start from Utah Beach car park, 6 to 7 hour – walk on Drop Zones, with commentaries. Arrival at dawn on the beach. Bring walking shoes, warm clothes and raincoat, a flashlight. 1944’s uniform allowed with any weapon. With prior booking. 20 people max.
Organisation : Association D-Day Overlord – association@dday-overlord.com
All day long: Tandem parachute jumps above Utah Beach.
Dive in History of D-Day in Normandy. Meeting at the Cherbourg-Maupertus airport to board the plane and fly above the Cotentin before your get ready to jump above Utah Beach! Prices: 370 €/person, video+photos: 135 €, video: 105 €. Prior booking: Tourist Office of Sainte-Mère-Eglise – 0033 233 21 00 33 or ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: A2parachutisme.com
Utah Beach, Sainte Marie du Mont
8:30 p.m.: Projection of movie « D-Day Normandy 44 », by N3D Land Films and realized by Pascal Vuong. (French version – English subtitles)
June 6th, 1944: the greatest Allied operation of WWII began in Normandy. Only a few people know in detail why and how from the end of 1943 until August 1944, this region became the most important part of the world.
With prior booking: musee@utah-beach.com – 0033 233 71 53 35.
Organization: Utah Beach Museum
Monday 6th June
Amfreville
2:30 p.m.: 8 km historic walk with commentaries “These decisive days”: fierce fights took place in the marshland on June, 6th 1944, discover the secret ford, learn more about gliders…
New in 2016: Quiz along the walk. Replica of a Drop-zone marking.
Vintage and military outfits authorized without any real ou display weapons. Meeting at 507th monument.
Fees: 2€/pers. Souvenir leaflet: 4 €. Limited number of participants. With prior booking at the Tourist Office: 00 33 (0)2 33 21 00 33- ot.sme@ccbdc.fr
Organization: Tourist Office in partnership with association “US Normandie Mémoire et Gratitude”
Carentan
6 p.m. : Ceremony for Peace with children from Carentan and Sainte Mère Eglise, 100 children choir and Troupe “les Embruns”, release of doves, on place de la république.
Organization: Communauté de Communes – 0033 233 71 90 90
La Cambe
11 a.m.: Official ceremony at the German cemetery.
Saint Marcouf de l’Isle
2 p.m. and 5 p.m: Spectacle “Crisbecq Attack” (around 30 min.) in Crisbecq site.
Prices: 10 €/adult, 7 €/child (6-12 years old), including the Battery visit.
Organization: Crisbecq battery, in partnership with association les Lufteaux – 0033 668 41 09 04 – www.batterie-marcouf.com
Sainte Mère Eglise
10 a.m.: Official ceremony at the Signal Monument. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Exhibition of military vehicles, on the church square.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
2:30 and 4 p.m. : Theater play « Mother of Normandy » about the life of Simone Renaud (Mayor’s wife in 1944) and particularly her relationships with American families of the soldiers who came for our Freedom. Included in Museum’s entrance fees.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
8:30 p.m.: Concert for Peace with “Southern Arizona Women’s chorus”, at the church. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 31 18
Utah Beach, Sainte Marie du Mont
11 a.m.: Ceremony at Angelo Chatas monument, direction Beauguillot bird sanctory.
Organization : Amis du Jour J d’Utah Beach – 02 33 71 53 18
11 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at Danish monument (1 km, direction Sainte Marie du Mont).
Organization: Utah Beach Museum – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Around 11:15 a.m.: Beaching with LCVP PA30-4 landing craft, according to weather conditions. (time might change according to tide and sea conditions)
Organization: Challenge LCVP- Higgins Boat – secretaire@challengelcvp.com
12 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony at Winters monument (Sainte Marie du Mont, toward Utah Beach)
Organization: Utah Beach Museum – 0033 233 71 53 35 – www.utah-beach.com
Sunday 12 June
Carentan
Liberation’s Day
11:30 a.m.: Wreath laying at the cemetery and at Signal monument. Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 42 74 00
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June
Catz
Cobra 2016: Gathering of D-Day tanks. Exhibitions and displays, parades,… BBQ.
Organization: Normandy Tank Museum – 0033 233 44 39 45
Orglandes
10 p.m.: Concert of Aurelien Deshayes (80’s music)
followed by sound and light show “As time goes by… mechanization in Norman countryside 1945-1950”, at la Hougue site. Firework. Entrance fee: 8 €/person over 12 years old.
Organization: Comité des fêtes – doublet.remi@wanadoo.fr
Beginning of July – December
Sainte Mère Eglise
Exhibition: «Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne, Winter 1944 », at the Airborne Museum.
December 16th, 1944, Hitler ordered a major German offensive campaign to take back Anvers harbor and stop Allied advance. The surprise attack caught the Allied forces completely off guard: it was sudden, quick and efficient. Decisions had to be made: General Eisenhower sent reserve units from France in reinforcement.
The Battle of the Bulge was a very exhausting (physically and emotionally) and deadly experience for the Allied. These men had to face extremely cold winter and a lack of food and ammunition supplies. The defeat of German Army has happened after a salutary break: supply could reach ground troops and eased General Patton arrival. The Battle of the Bulge lasted until end of January 1945.
This exceptional exhibition also enhances the “Way of Liberty”, starting from Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Normandy with “Borne 0” and ends in Bastogne, Belgium. A part is dedicated to General Patton’s role in The Battle of the Bulge.
This exhibition will last until the end of the year.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Sunday 31st July
Saint Martin de Varreville
Commemoration of General Leclerc 2nd Armored Division (2nd AD) landing on July 30th, 1944.
10 a.m.: Commemorative ceremony, at Leclerc Monument
11 a.m.: Mass in memory of 2nd AD Veterans, at the church. Friendship glass and banquet (with prior booking).
Organization: Townhall – 0033 233 41 4668
Saturday 10th September
Sainte Mère Eglise
8:30 p.m.: Conference of Valentin Schneider, historian for his book “Un million de prisonniers allemands en France, 1944-1948”.
Followed by a signing session.
Organization: Airborne Museum – 0033 233 41 41 35 – www.airborne-museum.org
Practical information:
Download plan for parkings (cars and camping-cars) in Sainte Mère Eglise’s center and parachute drops at la Fière:
Plan of parkings in Sainte Mère Eglise June 2016 72nd anniversary
Sunday, 5th June
Great Parachute drops at La Fière (3km away from the center of Sainte Mère Eglise) in Sainte Mère Eglise, Picauville, Amfreville.
Several car parks will be available around the site. They are accessible from Chef du Pont, Picauville, Amfreville. Please, follow the signs.
Attention : Roads are very narrow around the site. Any car entering these car-parks will only be able to leave after the circulation has been reversed, at the end of the afternoon.
Access:
– Coming from CAEN/CARENTAN : Exit BLOSVILLE direction Chef-du-Pont and then PICAUVILLE. Follow the signs for car-parks.
– Coming from CHERBOURG : Exit NEUVILLE-AU-PLAIN, enter Sainte-Mère-Église. Turn right direction PICAUVILLE and follow the sign direction “Hiersac.”
PEDESTRIAN ONLY: D15 between Sainte-Mère-Église and Picauville will be forbidden to all vehicles. 45 minute-walk (3,5 km).
AMBULANCE ONLY: The road leading to Cauquigny hamlet from Neuville-au-Plain bridge (N13 exit) will be inaccessible to any vehicles.
PEOPLE with REDUCED MOBILITY, free shuttles (minibus 12 places) between Sainte-Mère-Église, rue des AFN (Bridge of N13, direction Picauville) are available starting from 9.00 a.m.
