80th Anniversary of D-Day at the National World War II Memorial

Come together to honor a pivotal moment in history as the nation marks the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord (D-Day) on June 6.

On Thursday, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will host special activities at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

Reading of the Names: Starting at 5 a.m. at the World War II Memorial's newly restored Circle of Remembrance and the FDR D-Day Prayer Plaque. The names of those laid to rest at Normandy American Cemetery in France, who gave their lives during Operation Overlord (June 6 – Aug. 30, 1944) will solemnly be read. Although there is not a complete list, those identified through the Normandy American Cemetery will be honored. Reading will pause at 9:30 a.m. and resume at 11:30 a.m., continuing until approximately 2 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to join in this meaningful tribute.

Ceremony: At 10 a.m. an Operation Overlord (D-Day) 80th Anniversary Commemoration will be held in the main plaza of the World War II Memorial, facing the Rainbow Pool. As part of the ceremony, WWII veterans and representatives from Allied Nations involved in the Normandy Campaign will lay wreaths at the Memorial's Freedom Wall. This ceremony is a heartfelt tribute to the bravery of over 2 million Allied service members who participated in Operation Overlord and honors the memory of the more than 225,000 Allies who made the ultimate sacrifice. ‍

Register here to attend in person or volunteer for the Reading of the Names.

The ceremony will be streamed Live on the Friends’ Facebook page.