(A version of this article by Lt. Col. Patrick Chaisson, USA (Ret), originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

The courage and sacrifice of those who fought on D-Day in 1944 continue to inspire generations since then. Several organizations based in the U.S. and Europe plan to observe the 80th anniversary of this turning point in history by holding ceremonies, concerts, and reenactments.

Many of the commemorative events are open to the public. For those who won’t be attending in person, some events will be live-streamed so you can view them online.

National World War II Museum

Located in New Orleans, the museum plans a full schedule of D-Day commemorative functions. On Thursday, June 6, the museum will hold a remembrance ceremony, living history display, and a performance by the 29th Infantry Division Band.

That evening, the museum features an immersive outdoor sound and light show titled “Expressions of America.”

View events virtually: Some of the museum’s events can be seen online. Learn more and register at this link.  

National World War II Memorial

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial will host June 6 events at the Washington, D.C., location: 

• Beginning at 5 a.m., a reading of the names of those who died during Operation Overlord (June 6-Aug. 30, 1944) and are laid to rest at Normandy American Cemetery in France.
• At 10 a.m., a commemoration featuring World War II veterans at the memorial's main plaza.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the group's Facebook page.

National Museum of the U.S. Army

The museum at Fort Belvoir, Va., presents a virtual “battle brief” entitled Tactical Intelligence for D-Day, 1944 on Tuesday, June 4. The talk will be presented by Lt. Col. Michael E. Bigelow, USA (Ret), command historian for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command.

Also, a special exhibit looks at paratroopers’ stories and displays the four Medals of Honor awarded for D-Day actions. Learn more here.

Normandy American Cemetery, France

Overlooking Omaha Beach, where thousands of U.S. servicemembers perished on D-Day, the Normandy American Cemetery hosts a national-level commemoration event June 6. 

The event will be streamed live on the American Battle Monuments Commission website, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Eastern.

National D-Day Memorial

The memorial in Bedford, Va., will host an 80th Anniversary of D-Day ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern on June 6. Program highlights include recognition of World War II veterans, guest speakers, music, and more.

The event features living history demonstrations and military equipment displays. Find out more at this link.

World War II Airborne Demonstration Team 

To commemorate D-Day, members of this nonprofit organization plan to jump into Normandy, France, from 1940s-era C-47 transport planes while wearing reproduction uniforms and parachutes.

This team of dedicated living historians (and their European partners) recreates the parachute drop of June 6, 1944. Learn more about the jump, and how you can watch, at the Airborne Demonstration Team’s website. 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library

A symphony at sunset is planned on the campus of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kan. The outdoor concert Saturday, June 1, is open to the public and free to attend. Admission to the museum is free that day.

In-person events June 6 include an 11 a.m. remembrance ceremony, a 2 p.m. veterans panel, reenactors, and more. Learn more, and check out online exhibits and resources, at this link.