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.”
An air show, 1940s era concert, a military flyover, World War II veterans, and more are all part of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremony at The War Memorial.
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 and a live air show over Lake St. Clair! The air show includes aircraft from the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum - the North American T-6 Texan, Vultee BT-13 Valiant, and the Boeing Stearman.
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.
SEATING
Please note that the War Memorial will have a limited number of chairs available on a first come first serve basis. There will be space on the lawn for bringing your own camp or folding chairs for comfortable seating. If you are not planning on arriving early and want to guarantee a seat, we recommend bringing your own chair.
PARKING
Please note that the War Memorial has very limited onsite parking available. If you are able, we encourage guests to walk or ride bikes to our campus for the event. Overflow Parking will be available at the following locations:
Lake Shore Drive in the area surrounding the War Memorial
Once parking is full, War Memorial staff stationed at the entrance to the lot will provide maps to nearby suggested overflow lots if necessary.
Guests with mobility issues can be dropped off at the entrance of the Alger Center. Our building is fully accessible, including an elevator and ramp leading to the back lawn. Guests are welcome to use personal mobility devices (i.e. scooters, wheelchairs, etc.) as needed. Please note that The War Memorial is unable to provide wheelchairs at the event.
EVENT TIMELINE
5:00pm: The War Memorial Grounds will open at this time.
Entry will be through the Fred Alger Center Entrance, on the right of the historic home as you come up the main drive.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic, chairs, and snacks, however, by Michigan law, no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought onto campus.
Visit the Arsenal of Democracy Exhibit in the Patriot Gallery, featuring an installation from Michigan Military Technical & Historical Museum coordinated by the Grosse Pointe Artists Association.
Visit the CAF Rise Above mobile movie theater exhibit in the Alger Center parking lot. The CAF Rise Above exhibit recognizes the contributions of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and Tuskegee Airmen to the war effort.
Visit our War Memorial Merchandise Booth & Development Booths to learn more about our programming and how you can support our mission.
6:00pm: Ceremony at the base of Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge
Featuring Keynote address from Army Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor
6:30pm: Airshow from the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum
7:00pm: 1940’s USO Show from Rhythm Society Orchestra on the War Memorial Terrace
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.
