On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord—the codename for the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, France—with more than 150,000 troops. Ending with approximately 20,000 casualties on both sides, those who took part witnessed one of the most pivotal battles against Axis forces and the beginning of a prolonged, costly, and ultimately successful campaign to liberate northwest Europe.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day—a day now known as the greatest amphibious landing in history—The National WWII Museum will explore the epic battle through events on Thursday, June 6, and Friday, June 7, 2024, on its campus in New Orleans.
Quick Links
- Schedule of Events
- FAQ
- WWII Veterans and Families
- D-Day Events
- D-Day Symposium
D-Day Digital Program
Thursday, June 6, 2024
6:30 a.m. | H-Hour Remembrance Gathering
Commemorating the moment that the invasion of Normandy began, the early morning H-Hour Remembrance Gathering is a time for reflection.
• Founders Plaza
• Free Admission, Registration Preferred
9:00 a.m. | 29th Division Band Performance
Join the 29th Infantry Division Band for a rousing performance of songs from the 1940s as well as WWII-inspired music featured in film adaptations.
• Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground
• Included with Museum Admission
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Living History Corps Displays
Join The National WWII Museum’s Living History Corps to learn more about the American experience of the invasion of Normandy and the contributions of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on Omaha Beach. Hear about the men who made the landings that day to liberate Fortress Europe—what they carried, how they fought, and what they saw—from our team of living historians.
• Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
• Included with Museum Admission
11:00 a.m. | Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony
Presented in memory of D-Day veteran and Museum friend Dr. Harold “Hal” Baumgarten, The National WWII Museum’s annual D-Day commemoration remembers the men who landed on the beaches in Normandy on June 6, 1944. This program will also be livestreamed to our Vimeo, Facebook, and YouTube platforms. This ceremony is funded through the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Endowment, which is made possible by the generous gift of Karen and Leopold Sher.
• US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
• Free Admission, Registration Preferred
4:30 p.m. | The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series Reception and The D-Day Invasion of Normandy Exhibit Open House
Ahead of The General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture, explore The D-Day Invasion of Normandy exhibit, hear music from the 29th Infantry Division Band, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with beer and wine.
• Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
• Free Admission, Registration Preferred
6:00 p.m. | The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture
Kicking off the Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy symposium, The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture on World War II opening keynote features Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson, who will discuss “Operation Overlord: 80 Years On.”
• Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
• Free Admission, Registration Preferred
8:00 p.m. | Expressions of America
The Museum's outdoor sound and light show features incredible music, stunning imagery, festive snacks and beverages, and 90-foot-tall projections.
• Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground
• Tickets Required
Friday, June 7, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy Symposium
Hear from leading historians on the challenges, battles, and victories that followed the June 6 Allied landings and made the liberation of Europe from Nazi oppression possible at this free daylong public symposium hosted by the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. Sessions will cover the struggles of fighting in the Normandy bocage, the bitter battle for Caen, how Allied air power assisted the advance, and the ultimate breakout from the Normandy region.
• US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
• Free Admission, Registration Preferred
On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the long-anticipated invasion of Normandy, France. Soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations faced Hitler's formidable Atlantic Wall as they landed on the beaches of Normandy.
Learn more
D-Day and WWII Veterans Information
Should I register in advance?
It is highly recommended to register in advance so that we can guarantee reserved seating for each veteran and one companion. All D-Day and Normandy Campaign veterans in attendance will participate in a procession during the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6. Registration is online only and can be completed at this link.
What if I need assistance in traveling to New Orleans for the commemoration?
The National WWII Museum proudly partners with the Gary Sinise Foundation and American Airlines for the Soaring Valor program to bring WWII veterans, Holocaust survivors, and Home Front workers to the Museum at no cost to them and one companion. If this is something that you would like to utilize, please indicate this on your registration form.
My loved one was a D-Day veteran and has since passed away. How can I engage with the commemoration?
We are grateful for your loved one’s service and your commitment to honoring their legacy. We are asking family members of D-Day veterans who have passed away to register online so that we can be aware of your attendance. We will have an H-Hour Remembrance gathering at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, where there will be a special moment to remember those who have passed away.
Commemorative Event Information
Do I need to purchase any tickets to participate in the events?
The following events on Thursday, June 6, 2024, are free and open to the public, with registration preferred but not required:
- H-Hour Remembrance Gathering
- Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony
- The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series Reception and The D-Day Invasion of Normandy Exhibit Open House
- The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture
The following activities and events are included with the purchase of Museum admission on Thursday, June 6:
- 29th Division Band Performance
- Living History Corps Displays
Tickets are required to attend the showing of Expressions of America on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Registration is required for the free symposium on Friday, June 7, 2024: Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy.
Is there a rain date?
There will not be a rain date. Any events or activities that were scheduled to be held outside can easily be moved indoors. Any changes to locations will be communicated through signage and emails to registrants.
Does registering for an event guarantee a reserved seat?
Unfortunately, general event registration does not guarantee a reserved seat. There will be reserved seats for D-Day and WWII veterans with one companion each, as well as Patriot’s Circle members, for each event.
Visiting the Museum on June 6 and 7
How do I purchase a ticket to visit the Museum during my visit to New Orleans for the commemoration?
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets to visit the Museum in advance for a smoother visit. You can purchase tickets here. There will also be tickets available for purchase day-of at the Museum.
Current military members and their families get free Museum admission through the Blue Star Museums program from May 18 through September 2. Complimentary admission is for Museum only; ticket purchase is required for Beyond All Boundaries and the Freedom Theater Experience.
I am planning a multiday trip to visit the Museum for this commemoration. Where should I stay?
Located on the Museum’s campus is The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, the official hotel of The National WWII Museum. For more information and resources for visiting New Orleans, find more information from New Orleans and Company at www.neworleans.com.
Come explore, remember, and reflect on World War II through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus via our Experience The Victory Tour! The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a custom program at this world-class institution!
Calling all D-Day and WWII veterans! Please join us this June at The National WWII Museum to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the museum that was built in your honor. Register online to tell us more about your service, the events you are interested in attending, and how we can help you plan your visit.
Family members of D-Day veterans who have passed away are also welcome to join in this milestone commemoration. Register online to tell us more about your loved one’s service and the events you are interested in attending.
