Introduction
Covering 172.5 acres this is one of fourteen permanent American World War II cemeteries constructed on foreign soil. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), established by law in 1923, is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the US Government. The commission is responsible for commemorating the service and achievements of the United States Armed Forces where they have served since April 6th, 1917 through the erection of suitable memorial shrines; for designing, constructing, operating and maintaining permanent US military cemeteries and memorials in foreign countries; for controlling the design and construction of US military monuments and markers in foreign countries by other US citizens and organizations, both public and private; and encouraging the maintenance of such monuments and markers by their sponsors.
Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Center
Situated in the grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery and opened on June 1st 2007 , almost the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day Landings, the new interpretative center puts the cemetery into context. It explains the D-Day landing and the entire 80-day Battle of Normandy. On the lower level of the 2-story 20,000 square-foot center, the exhibit’s story storyline is told through three themes: Competence, Courage and Sacrifice.
The Visit
Ample time is allowed to visit and appreciate the beauty and terrible tragedy contained by the immaculate grounds. Subject to access on the day we will visit the special graves of Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Medal of Honor, and son of President Teddy Roosevelt who lies buried next to his brother, Quentin, an aviator and First World War casualty who was killed in July 1918. Thereafter we see the grave of Dolores Brown, one of four women buried in the cemetery, all killed in accidents after the war ended. We will also see the graves of Robert and Preston Niland, one of thirty two pairs of brothers to be buried here and listen to their particular story. Thereafter we visit the poignant and sad graves of father and son, Col. Oliver Reed and Lt. Oliver Reed Jnr.
Private Transfer from London by Air
Short on timer or prefer to fly?
D-Day Airtours will take you on an insightful one-day tour by air of the landing beaches and other D-Day sites. Pick up from Central London (or other areas by arrangement) in the morning, flying to Carpiquet airport, Caen from Oxford, and return by mid-evening of the same day.
Alternatively, for an even shorter visit, take a flying tour over the area with guided commentary.
Either way your tour is delivered by a professional English guide experienced and knowledgeable in the D-Day landings.
Whether you are from America, Canada or Britain you will be provided with detailed information about your country's role in the landings.
Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information - click to contact us.
If you are looking for a longer, much more in-depth trip by car and on foot, then please see our alternate site offering this at www.d-dayairtours.com.
