NATIONAL DAYHISTORY & MILITARY

D-Day

Join us as we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought on D-Day.

JUN6

Sunday, June 6Every year on June 6

days to go

Roots: The Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France
Vibe: A day of remembrance and reflection
Also on Jun 6: Higher Education Day · Prairie Day · Trails Day
Hashtag: #DDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Pause and reflect

Take a quiet moment to remember the fallen.

WITH FRIENDS

Watch a documentary

Learn about the landings together with a film.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Observe a silence

Hold a moment of silence with coworkers or classmates.

Plan ahead

D-Day is observed on June 6 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Jun 6this year

2027Sun, Jun 6

2028Tue, Jun 6

2029Wed, Jun 6

2030Thu, Jun 6

2031Fri, Jun 6

2032Sun, Jun 6

2033Mon, Jun 6

2034Tue, Jun 6

2035Wed, Jun 6

2036Fri, Jun 6

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Fast facts

Over 156,000Troops landed on D-Day

More than 4,400Allied troops died on that day

The story

The invasion of Normandy, known as D-Day, began in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. Allied forces, composed of American, British, Canadian, and other troops, landed on five beachheads, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. This massive operation was crucial for establishing a foothold in Europe and ultimately liberating it from Nazi control.

Read the full story

The planning for D-Day was extensive, involving elaborate deception strategies to mislead German forces about the invasion's location. Operation Fortitude, for instance, created a fictitious army to divert attention away from Normandy. The success of D-Day relied not only on military might but also on meticulous planning and international cooperation.

As the sun rose over the French coast, Allied troops faced fierce resistance from entrenched German positions. The bravery shown on that day is encapsulated in the sacrifices made by thousands, many of whom would never return home. Their courage paved the way for the liberation of Europe and the defeat of fascism.

Today, D-Day is commemorated in various ways, through ceremonies, educational programs, and personal reflections. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and the importance of remembering our history. Each year, veterans and their families gather at Normandy to honor the fallen, ensuring that their bravery is never forgotten.

Did you know?

D-Day's Code Name

The operation was codenamed Operation Overlord, and the planning phase began two years prior.

Weather Delays

D-Day was initially scheduled for June 5, 1944, but poor weather conditions delayed the invasion by one day.

Largest Amphibious Invasion

It remains the largest amphibious invasion in history, involving over 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft.

Casualty Estimates

Estimates suggest that between 9,000 and 12,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing on D-Day alone.

Famous Speech

President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed for the success of the invasion in a radio address on the eve of D-Day.

The Lasting Impact

D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, leading to their eventual surrender in May 1945.

Commemoration Year

In 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day was marked with significant ceremonies across Europe and the U.S.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesD-Day is commemorated nationwide, with numerous events held to honor veterans and educate the public.
GBUnited KingdomThe UK played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of D-Day, with many ceremonies held to remember the sacrifices made.
FRFranceNormandy is home to memorials and museums dedicated to the D-Day landings, attracting visitors from around the world.
CACanadaCanadian forces participated significantly in the invasion, with memorials across the country honoring their contributions.
AUAustraliaAustralia remembers D-Day as part of its broader military history, recognizing the sacrifices of all Allied soldiers.
DEGermanyGermany acknowledges D-Day as a turning point in WWII, with discussions about its implications for peace and reconciliation.