Information for D-Day and WWII Veterans
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80th Anniversary of D-Day
Event FAQs
Should I register in advance?
D-DAY and WWII veterans and the families of those who served are strongly encouraged to register. Advance registration guarantees preferred parking and seating for such veterans for commemoration events.
Large groups must register in advance.
Can I register on-site, day-of?
If you are a WWII veteran or traveling with one who did not register by 5/29 at 6:00 a.m., please report to will-call upon arrival to receive your parking pass. (Will-call location TBA.)
Where can I meet up with other veterans and families?
Please visit the on-site hospitality tent. (Tent location TBA.)
Visiting on June 6th
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Will I need a ticket?
No ticket is required on June 6. Tickets are required for the musical performances and multimedia projection light show on June 7 & 8.
Ticket link coming soon.
Does registration guarantee a parking space at the memorial or seat for the ceremony?
We can only guarantee seating and on-site parking for D-Day and WWII veterans, not for the general public.
Can I take a Memorial tour?
There will be no tours available on June 6. Tours resume June 7, but regular admission fees will apply.
Is there a rain date?
The June 6 ceremony will occur rain or shine. Other events may be limited or canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Are dogs allowed?
No pets are allowed on Memorial grounds. Only official service animals are permitted. The Memorial’s kennel will be unavailable on June 6.
June 6th Event Times
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When do gates open and close for the ceremony?
Gate opening time and shuttle bus operating schedule is TBA.
When time does the ceremony start?
11:00 am
When can I take a bus back to my car?
Shuttle bus operating schedule is TBA.
When does the Memorial reopen to passenger traffic?
Time is TBA.
When does the Memorial close?
The Memorial will remain open until 9:00 pm on June 6th.
Parking
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Can I drive up to/park at the Memorial?
No on-site parking or drop off for passenger vehicles will not be allowed.
Where do I park?
Satellite parking areas will be available throughout Bedford, with shuttle service to the Memorial and a designated handicap lot. Please check back for parking locations.
What if I’m a D-Day or WWII veteran or am traveling with one?
Advance registration guarantees preferred parking and seating for such veterans for commemoration events.
Is there disabled (handicap) parking?
There will be a designated handicap lot. Please check back for location.
What if I’m arriving with a large group?
Groups of 20 or more arriving by bus must register in advance and will be assigned an arrival time window. This is to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the Memorial circle.
Where do buses drop off/park?
We will have designated bus drop off and parking areas. Bus operators are invited to attend the ceremony with their group.
Security
A clear bag policy will be enforced on June 6, 2024.
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Will I need to go through a security checkpoint?
Yes. Guests will be pre-screened as they board buses. There may be additional security screening upon arrival at the Memorial site.
What bags are approved under the clear bag policy?
Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
- Small clutch bags or fanny pack or belt bag style bags, with or without a handle or strap
Bags may be subject to search.
Can I carry more than one bag?
Each individual is allowed one clear bag plus a small clutch/fanny pack/belt bag.
Can I carry a camera, binoculars, cell/smart phone, or tablet?
Yes, so long as they are not inside bags that are not on the approved clear bag policy list. Cameras and binoculars can be worn around the neck with a strap.
Are strollers and diaper bags allowed?
Yes, strollers are allowed but are subject to search. Diaper bags must adhere to the clear bag policy.
Can I leave prohibited items with someone at the gate?
No. Please note the clear bag policy when parking and secure any prohibited items in your vehicle. Items will not be held/stored for visitors. Bags will be checked at parking locations. The Memorial is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Confiscated items will not be returned.
Where can I get a clear bag that meets the policy?
Clear bags that meet the policy are widely available at retailers.
Are there any exceptions to the clear bag policy?
An exception can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Equipment bags carried by media covering the event may be subject to search.
What items are not allowed?
The following items will be prohibited on Memorial grounds:
- Aerosols to include silly string
- Air horns/noisemakers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Ammunition
- Animals other than service/ guide dogs
- Bags exceeding size restrictions (see Clear Bag Policy answer above)
- Bags in violation of clear bag policy (to include purses larger than a clutch, briefcases, backpacks, cinch bags, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, and diaper bags)
- Balloons
- Bicycles
- Blankets
- Chairs
- Coolers or containers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
- Firearms
- Fireworks or explosives
- Glass, thermal, or metal containers
- Hoverboards, roller blades, scooters, shoes with integrated wheels, skates, skateboards, etc.
- Illegal drugs
- Knives
- Laser pointers
- Mace/pepper spray
- Packages
- Selfie sticks
- Structures
- Supports for signs and placards
- Toy guns
- Umbrellas
- Wrapped gifts
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
Confiscated items will not be returned.
Handicap Accessibility
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Is there disabled (handicap) parking?
There will be a designated handicap lot. Please check back for location.
Is there handicap seating?
Yes.
Will wheelchairs/motorized scooters be available on-site?
No, individuals must provide their own mobility devices.
Site Amenities
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Is there a gift shop?
Yes, the Memorial Gift Shop will operate on June 6, selling 80th commemoration and other items. The on-site gift stop accepts cash and cards.
You can purchase 80th commemoration items anytime through our online store.
Will food be available for purchase?
Food vendors will be open and serving throughout the day. Cash and cards will be accepted.
Do I need to bring cash?
Guests may want to bring money for food, beverage, and gift shop purchases. The gift shop accepts cash and cards.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located on the main plaza but may be closed during the ceremony. The main plaza restrooms are equipped with baby changing areas. Portable restrooms will also be available.
Lodging
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Where can I stay in the area?
Some hotels are offering special rates for 80th commemoration visitors. Please mention our event when making reservations.
Click here for a list of hotels by area.
Commemoration Events
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What other events are planned during the 80th anniversary?
We’ve planned a full slate of 80th commemoration events.
Do you have information on events in Normandy?
Please visit the following websites for information regarding the 80th commemoration events in Normandy:
80th Anniversary D-DAY & Battle of Normandy
Normandy Tourism: The official tourism website of Normandy, France
80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
Americans with questions about attending the June 6, 2024 ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery can email dday80@abmc.gov or contact your travel agent. If you are the family member of an individual who is buried or memorialized in Normandy American Cemetery or traveling with a World War II veteran, please include that information in your email.
National D-Day Memorial staff cannot assist in obtaining tickets or credentials for events in Normandy or with travel arrangements.
Planning Resources
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Will there be updates?
Yes, we will regularly update this website. Sign up for email updates.
Does the Memorial have a Mobile App?
The National D-Day Memorial launched an all new app in 2023 with information about the 80th commemoration, a location-aware site map, memorial wall name and brick finders, and an augmented reality experience.
Please allow push notifications to receive parking, weather, and other alerts. Regular text and data rates may apply.
Can you help me plan my trip to Normandy?
National D-Day Memorial staff cannot assist in obtaining tickets or credentials for events in Normandy or with travel arrangements.
Please visit the following websites for information regarding the 80th commemoration events in Normandy:
80th Anniversary D-DAY & Battle of Normandy
Normandy Tourism: The official tourism website of Normandy, France
80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
Americans with questions about attending the June 6, 2024 ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery can email dday80@abmc.gov or contact your travel agent. If you are the family member of an individual who is buried or memorialized in Normandy American Cemetery or traveling with a World War II veteran, please include that information in your email.