June 6, 2025: 81st birthday
On June 6, 2025, on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Allied landings, the D-Day Committee organised international ceremonies in the Utah Beach sector , in the presence of numerous civil and military authorities, veterans, foreign delegations, students, troops and visitors from all over the world.
A day of commemoration with several highlights
The day began at 10:00 a.m. with the traditional children's ceremony , held in front of the American federal monument in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont . Eight schools from the area had prepared a moving tribute combining songs, dances, readings, and recitations. This ceremony served as a reminder of how essential passing on the memory of those who fought for our freedom is to keeping alive the memory of them.
At 14:45 p.m. , an interfaith moment of reflection was held at the monument in the temporary cemetery no. 1 of Sainte-Mère-Église . Representatives of different faiths spoke there, in a moment of shared prayer, honoring the memory of the soldiers who fell during the fighting of June 1944.
At 16 p.m. , a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the memorial to the 2nd French Armored Division in Saint-Martin-de-Varreville . It was a tribute to the French soldiers who participated in the Liberation. This solemn and dignified moment served as a reminder of the crucial role of Free France in the Allied operations.
At 16:30 p.m. , the international ceremony took place at the iconic Utah Beach site , in front of the American federal monument , in the presence of numerous official delegations:
- Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces (France)
- Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense (United States)
- John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence (United Kingdom)
- Nadia Burger, Minister Plenipotentiary (Canada)
- Hans Andersen, General Delegate of the Territorial Army (Denmark)
- Jan Versteeg, Ambassador (Netherlands)
- Markus Reinhardt, Defense Attaché (Germany)
- Håvard Klevberg, Defence Attaché (Norway)
- Tarka Wieslaw, Defence Policy Officer (Poland)
- Colonel Francis Legein, Defense Attaché (Belgium)
In accordance with the wishes of Jean Quétier , president of the D-Day Commemoration Committee, a special tribute was paid to Denmark . A nation without troops stationed on Normandy soil in 1944, but whose sailors played a vital role in Allied operations. This tribute aimed to highlight the commitment of these often-forgotten nations.
Veterans in the spotlight
Several veterans from the United States, Belgium, and France were present. A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Legion of Honour to Don Carter , an American veteran, by the Minister of the Armed Forces, in recognition of his service during the fighting in 1944.
A living and shared memory
French, American, Danish, and German military troops also took part in the ceremonies, embodying the spirit of reconciliation and the strength of the transatlantic bond. This day of commemoration served to reaffirm the values of peace, freedom, and solidarity.
The Landing Committee extends its most sincere thanks to all participants – veterans, civil and military authorities, religious and school representatives, volunteers and spectators – who contributed to the success of this day of remembrance.
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