65th D-Day Anniversary Commemoration Events

July 9, 2009

By Sgt. 1st Class John Gonzalez

Story Highlights

  • Army Reserve paratroopers from USACAPOC(A) were part of commemorative events for the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy.
  • Over 30 German, American, British and French WWII veterans stood side-by-side to honor the fallen and commit to a partnership for peace.
  • USACAPOC(A) paratroopers represented the Army Reserve for the event, joining active duty paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division.
  • American Airborne Soldiers participated in commemorative jumps in England and France during the week's activities.
  • Retired Col. Keith Nightingale, a former commander of both Ranger and 82nd Airborne battalions, and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade, lectures U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers at the monument atop of Pointe-Du-Hoc overlooking Omaha beach, June 5. The Rangers scaled the sheer cliffs to take out this German gun turret that watches over the coast. Today the site has a granite memorial to honor the 2nd Ranger Battalion and their heroic assault. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne command within the U.S. Army Reserve and is supporting the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies.

    Rangers Monument

    Retired Col. Keith Nightingale, a former commander of both Ranger and 82nd Airborne battalions, and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade, lectures U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers at the monument atop of Pointe-Du-Hoc overlooking Omaha beach, June 5. The Rangers...

  • U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the crowd and highlights the legacy entrusted to us by the WWII combat veterans that surround him here on June 6. The president was in Normandy to attend the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at

    Honoring Veterans

    U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the crowd and highlights the legacy entrusted to us by the WWII combat veterans that surround him here on June 6. The president was in Normandy to attend the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at

  • Col (Ret) Keith Nightingale, a former commander of both Ranger and 82nd Airborne battalions, and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade, lectures U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers on the hill overlooking Omaha beach. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne command within the U.S. Army Reserve and is supporting the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies. "

    Omaha Beach

    Col (Ret) Keith Nightingale, a former commander of both Ranger and 82nd Airborne battalions, and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade, lectures U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers on the hill overlooking Omaha beach. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological...

  • Maj. Gen. David A. Morris (right), comanding general for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), is introduced to British WWII Veteran Geoff Noble (left) by his son Chris Noble here on June 4. Noble was a Royal Navy Wireman onboard Landing Craft Tank 1038 on Gold Beach on June 6, 1944. "

    Past and Present

    Maj. Gen. David A. Morris (right), comanding general for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), is introduced to British WWII Veteran Geoff Noble (left) by his son Chris Noble here on June 4. Noble was a Royal Navy...

  • Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Rich, with the 421st Quartermaster Company out of Ft. Valley, Ga., gives instructions to British paratroopers on the procedures for exiting a U.S. aircraft as part of a joint-service training here on May 29. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) headed Operation Air Drop Warrior, an Army Reserve mission designed to foster training between Army Reserve paratroopers and the British 4th Para Infantry Regiment, and to support airborne operations in Normandy, France. "

    Army Reserve Paratroopers

    Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Rich, with the 421st Quartermaster Company out of Ft. Valley, Ga., gives instructions to British paratroopers on the procedures for exiting a U.S. aircraft as part of a joint-service training here on May 29. The U.S...

  • A paratrooper lands near the La Merderet River by La Fiere bridge commemorating the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies on June 6. Around 300 American, British, French and German paratroopers jumped to commemorate the airborne drop 65-years ago. The ceremony, held at the Iron Mike statue, was highlighted by the presence of over 25 Second World War veterans who participated in an airborne wing exchange between German and American paratroopers. "

    Paratrooper

    A paratrooper lands near the La Merderet River by La Fiere bridge commemorating the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies on June 6. Around 300 American, British, French and German paratroopers jumped to commemorate the airborne drop 65-years ago. The...

  • Two C-130s fly over the hundreds of veterans, fans, and present day paratroopers near the Merderet River near La Fiere bridge for the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies on June 6. Around 300 American, British, French and German paratroopers jumped to commemorate the airborne drop 65-years ago. The ceremony, held at the Iron Mike statue, was highlighted by the presence of over 25 Second World War veterans who participated in an airborne wing exchange between German and American paratroopers. "

    Fly by

    Two C-130s fly over the hundreds of veterans, fans, and present day paratroopers near the Merderet River near La Fiere bridge for the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies on June 6. Around 300 American, British, French and German paratroopers jumped to...

  • British paratroopers, or "Paras" as they are called, trained on May 30 with U.S. Soldiers as part of Operation Air Drop Warrior, a joint training exercise. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne command within the U.S. Army Reserve and is supporting the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies. "

    British Paras

    British paratroopers, or "Paras" as they are called, trained on May 30 with U.S. Soldiers as part of Operation Air Drop Warrior, a joint training exercise. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne...

  • Army Reserve paratroopers train British Paras on May 30, as part of a joint-training exercise called Operation Air Drop Warrior. First Sgt. David S. Brunson, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier with the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne), located at Fort Jackson, Tennessee, a part of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), gives instructions to British paratroopers on the procedures for exiting a U.S. aircraft. "

    British Para Training

    Army Reserve paratroopers train British Paras on May 30, as part of a joint-training exercise called Operation Air Drop Warrior. First Sgt. David S. Brunson, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier with the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne), located at Fort...

  • D-Day enthusiasts from France suit up in full vintage U.S. Army uniforms from the World War II at a ceremony commemorating veterans of Omaha Beach, June 4. "

    Past Soldiers

    D-Day enthusiasts from France suit up in full vintage U.S. Army uniforms from the World War II at a ceremony commemorating veterans of Omaha Beach, June 4. "

  • A German band member and Soldier observes the solemn ceremony at the German cemetery on June 4. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service including American, German, British and French Soldiers. "

    Remembering the Fallen

    A German band member and Soldier observes the solemn ceremony at the German cemetery on June 4. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service including American, German, British and French Soldiers. "

  • U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., pose in from of legendary Stonehenge. The Soldiers come from various units within USACAPOC(A), which has warrior citizens in 31 states and one territory (Puerto Rico). The Soldiers are in Europe conducting training and supporting Operation Air Drop Warrior, an Army Reserve Airborne mission supporting the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies. "

    Stonehenge

    U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., pose in from of legendary Stonehenge. The Soldiers come from various units within USACAPOC(A), which has...

  • Flowers and tombstones are the solemn reminders that honor fallen German soldiers on June 4. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service including American, German, British and French Soldiers. "

    German Cemetery

    Flowers and tombstones are the solemn reminders that honor fallen German soldiers on June 4. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service including American, German, British and French Soldiers. "

  • U.S. President Barack Obama, along with Britain's Prince Charles, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrive at the American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer, France, to attend the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy ceremonies on June 6. "

    Band of Brothers

    U.S. President Barack Obama, along with Britain's Prince Charles, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrive at the American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer, France, to attend...

  • First Lady Michelle Obama greets a World War II veteran while Sgt. Major Brian Card looks on at the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies at Colleville Sur Mer, France, on June 6. Card, an Army Reserve Soldier, was escorting veterans at the event. He is assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), located At Fort Bragg, N.C. "

    Band of Brothers

    First Lady Michelle Obama greets a World War II veteran while Sgt. Major Brian Card looks on at the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies at Colleville Sur Mer, France, on June 6. Card, an Army Reserve Soldier, was escorting veterans at the event. He is...

  • D-Day participants from Holland dress in WW II garb and ride around in a vintage jeep along Omaha beach here on June 6. "

    Honoring the Past

    D-Day participants from Holland dress in WW II garb and ride around in a vintage jeep along Omaha beach here on June 6. "

  • German and America Soldiers stand side-by-side, and were joined by over 30 German, American, British and French WWII veterans, to honor the fallen and commit to a partnership for peace here on June 5. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service. "

    Remembering the Fallen

    German and America Soldiers stand side-by-side, and were joined by over 30 German, American, British and French WWII veterans, to honor the fallen and commit to a partnership for peace here on June 5. Over 200 people attended the commemoration...

  • British "Paras" look on as they get instructed on the procedures for exiting a U.S. aircraft as part of a joint-service training here, May 29. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) headed Operation Air Drop Warrior, an Army Reserve mission designed to foster training between Army Reserve paratroopers and the British 4th Para Infantry Regiment, and to support airborne operations in Normandy, France. "

    British Paras

    British "Paras" look on as they get instructed on the procedures for exiting a U.S. aircraft as part of a joint-service training here, May 29. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) headed Operation Air Drop...

  • D-Day enthusiasts from England suit up in full vintage U.S. Army uniforms from the second World War at a ceremony commemorating veterans at the Airborne museum here, June 6. "

    Band of British Brothers

    D-Day enthusiasts from England suit up in full vintage U.S. Army uniforms from the second World War at a ceremony commemorating veterans at the Airborne museum here, June 6. "

  • Army Reserve paratroopers jump from British aircraft using British gear to earn their British parachute wings here, June 30, as part of a joint-training exercise called Operation Air Drop Warrior. The operation was an Army Reserve mission designed to foster training and camaraderie between the British "Paras" and Army Reserve paratroopers, and to support airborne operations commemorating the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies, June 6. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne command within the U.S. Army Reserve. "

    Parachutes Over England

    Army Reserve paratroopers jump from British aircraft using British gear to earn their British parachute wings here, June 30, as part of a joint-training exercise called Operation Air Drop Warrior. The operation was an Army Reserve mission designed to...

  • Army Reserve Maj. John M. Fisher, left, a member of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands side-by-side with his German counterpart along with over 30 German, American, British and French World War II veterans, to honor the fallen and commit to a partnership for peace here, June 5. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service. "

    La Cambe

    Army Reserve Maj. John M. Fisher, left, a member of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands side-by-side with his German counterpart along with over 30 German, American, British and French World War II...

  • Army Reserve paratroopers with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands in front of St. Mere Eglise here, Jun 6. The Soldiers were taking part in commemorative ceremonies at the square for the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy. "

    U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command D-Day Ceremony

    Army Reserve paratroopers with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands in front of St. Mere Eglise here, Jun 6. The Soldiers were taking part in commemorative ceremonies at the square for the 65th Anniversary...

  • Army Reserve Col. Edward Burley, commander of the 2nd Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), a part of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands in front of Army Reserve paratroopers and British PARAS from the 4th Battalion, a Territorial Army battalion of the parachute regiment consisting of volunteers who have civilian employment. The Soldiers were taking part in commemorative ceremonies at the St. Mere Eglise square for the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy. "

    Army Reserve Paratroopers

    Army Reserve Col. Edward Burley, commander of the 2nd Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), a part of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), stands in front of Army Reserve paratroopers and British PARAS from...

  • German paratroopers, wearing their newly earned U.S. Airborne wings, stand side-by-side paratroopers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in front of the church at St. Mere Eglise here, June 6. Soldiers from various countries were taking part in commemorative ceremonies at the square for the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy. "

    Partners in Peace

    German paratroopers, wearing their newly earned U.S. Airborne wings, stand side-by-side paratroopers from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in front of the church at St. Mere Eglise here, June 6. Soldiers from...

  • View of barbed wire fences along the top of Pointe-Du-Hoc with the Ranger monument in the background here, June 5. The Rangers scaled the sheer cliffs to take out this German gun turret that watches over the coast. Today the site has a granite memorial to honor the 2nd Ranger Battalion and their heroic assault. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is the sole airborne command within the U.S. Army Reserve and is supporting the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies. "

    Barbed Wire

    View of barbed wire fences along the top of Pointe-Du-Hoc with the Ranger monument in the background here, June 5. The Rangers scaled the sheer cliffs to take out this German gun turret that watches over the coast. Today the site has a granite memorial...

  • Soldiers from various U.S. and foreign commands, including the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and the Special Operations Command Europe, stand in front of the church at St. Mere Eglise here, June 6. The Soldiers were taking part in commemorative ceremonies at the square for the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy. "

    St. Mere Eglise

    Soldiers from various U.S. and foreign commands, including the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) and the Special Operations Command Europe, stand in front of the church at St. Mere Eglise here, June 6. The Soldiers...

  • The view from inside a German casemate through a barbed-wire fence overlooking of the rocky cliffs beaches of Normandy atop of Pointe-du-Hoc, June 5. On D-day the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the sheer cliffs to take out this German gun turret that watches over the coast. Today the site has a granite memorial to honor the 2nd Ranger Battalion and their heroic assault. "

    German Positions

    The view from inside a German casemate through a barbed-wire fence overlooking of the rocky cliffs beaches of Normandy atop of Pointe-du-Hoc, June 5. On D-day the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the sheer cliffs to take out this German gun turret that...

  • Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Soldiers pose with Second World War veteran Julius Eisner, a pathfinder with "D" Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, a part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was one of the first paratroopers on the ground on D-Day and jumped in around 1:21 am, June 6, 1944, Drop Zone "Oscar", near St. Mere Eglise, approximately 30 minutes before the main assault body. This particular regiment was one of the few who actually landed where they were supposed to land. "

    82nd Airborne Past and Present

    Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Soldiers pose with Second World War veteran Julius Eisner, a pathfinder with "D" Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, a part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was one of the first paratroopers on...

  • German, American, British and French Soldiers stood side-by-side, along with over 30 German, American, British and French WWII veterans, to honor the fallen and commit to path of cooperation and partnership for peace here on June 5. The German Ambassador reiterated that we must learn from the past so as to not make the same mistakes and the need to work to create a peaceful future. Over 200 people attended the commemoration service. "

    Standing Together

    German, American, British and French Soldiers stood side-by-side, along with over 30 German, American, British and French WWII veterans, to honor the fallen and commit to path of cooperation and partnership for peace here on June 5. The German...

  • Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Soldiers take time to meet Second World War veteran Julius Eisner here on June 5. Eisner was a pathfinder with 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was one of the first paratroopers on the ground on D-Day and jumped in around 1:21 am, June 6, 1944, Drop Zone 'Oscar', near St. Mere Eglise, approximately 30 minutes before the main assault body. This particular regiment was one of the few who actually landed where they were supposed to land. He shared stories of the old 82nd Airborne Division and is a living inspiration to a whole new generation of airborne paratroopers. "

    82nd Airborne Hero

    Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Soldiers take time to meet Second World War veteran Julius Eisner here on June 5. Eisner was a pathfinder with 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was one of the...

  • The view of the beaches of Normandy through the barbed-wire fence that lie atop of Pointe-du-Hoc on June 5. On D-Day the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the sheer cliffs to take out the German casemate that watches over the coast. Today the site has a granite memorial to honor the 2nd Ranger Battalion and their heroic assault. "

    Pointe-du-Hoc

    The view of the beaches of Normandy through the barbed-wire fence that lie atop of Pointe-du-Hoc on June 5. On D-Day the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the sheer cliffs to take out the German casemate that watches over the coast. Today the site has a...

  • Actor Tom Hanks takes time out to pose with Army Reserve Sgt. Mark T. Leng at the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies in Colleville Sur-Mer on June 6. Leng, who hails from Lexington, Ky., is assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), located at Fort Bragg, N.C. "

    Band of Brothers

    Actor Tom Hanks takes time out to pose with Army Reserve Sgt. Mark T. Leng at the 65th D-Day Anniversary ceremonies in Colleville Sur-Mer on June 6. Leng, who hails from Lexington, Ky., is assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological...

Page last updated Thu July 9th, 2009 at 14:21