Benjamin Brands, historian for the American Battle Monuments Commission, will give a presentation on the ABMC’s design and construction of the fourteen overseas World War II cemeteries, with a special focus on the use of art, architecture, and horticulture to create sacred sites of remembrance and honor. In addition to the cemeteries’ creation, he will discuss the evolving ways ABMC has kept alive the memory of heroes for 100 years as we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In addition to his work with the ABMC, Brands is a PhD candidate at George Mason University. He previously served as an...

In the spring and summer of 1944, the U.S. Coast Guard was stretched to its limits, supporting multiple aspects of D-Day operations. Little remembered today, the Coast Guard manned U.S. Navy transport ships, provided rescue services for the entire Normandy area, and operated different types of landing craft for U.S. forces. Coast Guard forces even accepted the surrender of a key fort guarding the deep-water French port of Cherbourg. Learn more in this fascinating discussion with Dick At Lee, a veteran of the USCG. Commander Dick At Lee, USCG (Retired) spent 27 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, rising through...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykz9f695dQA With more than 13,000 records in its collection database, the National D-Day Memorial has one of the best archives of WWII artifacts, photos, and documents in the United States. Explore the Memorial's collection, how it developed, the plans for these treasures, and get a first look at recently donated items. April Cheek-Messier, President, and John Long, Director of Education, will lead this special show and tell session.