80th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremony
Relive the magic of our Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge dedication ceremony!
“I created this sculpture to honour the courage of these men:
Sons, husbands and fathers, who endangered and often sacrificed their lives in the hope of freeing the French people.”
80 years ago, the tide was turned as Operation Overlord began - with the invasion of D-Day in Normandy to reclaim France from the German forces.
At The War Memorial, on Thursday, June 6, our commemorative sculpture, Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, will serve as the backdrop, centerpiece, and memorial structure for our celebration of this pivotal moment of WWII. Join us on the back lawn for this engaging commemorative ceremony.
This evening will also feature a USO-inspired concert from the Rhythm Society Orchestra on the lakefront lawn of The War Memorial campus.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the wonders in the CAF Rise Above traveling exhibit. The exhibit will be open from 12 - 7 pm.
Food trucks will be available on-site. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic and chairs, but by Michigan law, no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought onto campus.
Thursday, June 6th - Your Evening
5 pm - Grounds Open
6 pm - Ceremony Begins on the back lawn
Remarks from Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor
6:45 PM - 40’s Era USO Show by Detroit Rhythm Society
The ceremony is free to attend, but registration is required. Please register at the link below.
About Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge
Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, our 50-foot-wide and 25-foot-tall sculpture is the official twin of the original Les Braves in Normandy, France — located in the Vierville-sur-Mer on Omaha Beach at the junction of dog red and easy green sectors. Originally created for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and sculpted by French artist Anilore Banon, the three stainless steel wings and towers stand proudly as a lasting tribute to the western Allies that landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944 during World War II.
Les Braves II consists of three thematic elements:
The Wings of Hope
So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6, 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future.Rise, Freedom!
So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, help us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity.The Wings of Fraternity
So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.
To learn more and view additional images of Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge visit: https://www.warmemorial.org/lesbraves.
