NGAUS/NGEF Delegation Travels to Normandy for 70th Anniversary of D-Day

On June 2, 2014, a delegation from NGAUS will leave for Normandy to take part in the anniversary ceremonies in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the allied forces’ landing on the beaches of northern France, D-Day, June 6, 1944.

That dark, blustery morning, the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division (Md., Va. and D.C.) came ashore under tremendous fire from the German artillery embedded in the beach head.

One of those beach heads today is home to the NGAUS Monument dedicated to the memory of all National Guardsmen who gave their lives on D-Day as well as throughout both World Wars I and II.

Our delegation, including Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the NGAUS chairman, and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, a National Guard Educational Foundation board member, will take part in a full day of activities on June 6.  Starting with a sunrise ceremony on Omaha Beach honoring the 29th Infantry Division, followed by attendance at the American Cemetery in Coleville-sur-Mer and ending with a ceremony at the NGAUS Monument itself — the delegation will be steeped in the history and legacy of National Guard service on that fateful day.  Other dignitaries at the American Cemetery include U.S. President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, French President Francois Hollande and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

On June 7, the delegation will travel around various sites including Ponte-du-Hoc, the Peregory Monument and, finally, St. Lo.

NGAUS and NGEF are delighted to send over a small, dedicated group of representatives to this significant event.