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Each year hundreds of U.S. armed forces members stationed in Europe, and from U.S.-based units with historical links to D-Day, join service members and civilians from all over Europe to recognize and honor the men and women of the "Greatest Generation" by performing music, marching in parades and honoring the deeds and sacrifices of allied nations during the commemorative period of 1-9 June in the region of Normandy, France. The anniversary of D-Day remains a historic reminder of the strong and unremitting relationship between the United States and our European allies and partners.
The mayors of towns and villages in the Normandy region of France request U.S. participation in ceremonies to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day landings and subsequent liberation of their communities. This web page is a legacy to that relationship and here you will find past and present commemorations in this town.
Event: Parachute Drop, Cabbage Patch Parade and Signal Monument commemoration
Expected Units: 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Special Operations Command - Europe
Details: The "Cabbage Patch" WWII parachute drop, commemoration ceremony and parade honors the 101st Airborne paratroopers who fought the Germans in the cabbage patches surrounding Carentan
Event: 101st Airborne Division Reenlistment Ceremony
Expected Units: 101st Airborne Division
Details: A ceremony to reenlist current paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division. The 101st played a critical role in the D-Day landings. Paratroopers landed behind enemy lines, and cleared a route for the 4th Infantry Division to land on Utah Beach, and ultimately liberate Carentan
Event: Purple Heart Lane and Cole Monument Dedication
Expected Units: 101st Airborne Division, Special Operations Command-Europe, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, 509th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Significance: The section of the Old National Road 13 between Carentan and Saint-Come-du-Mont is named “Purple Heart Lane” to recognize the 101st Airborne Division for their valiant efforts in June 1944
Event: Liberty March
Details: In honor of the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division, the Legion of Honor Award will be presented to U.S. veterans. Following the ceremony, troops, vintage vehicles, veterans and distinguished visitors will parade to city hall.