U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, participates in a wreath-laying ceremony alongside French officials during a D-Day commemoration at the Signal Monument near Omaha Beach, France, June 6, 2025. The ceremony honored the sacrifices of Allied forces who landed at there 81 years ago. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

French service members stand in formation as C-130 Hercules aircraft fly overhead during a D-Day commemorative ceremony near Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. The event marked the 81st anniversary of the Allied landings and honored the enduring partnership between France and the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, delivers remarks at the Omaha Beach Monument in Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. Speaking steps away from where V Corps led the D-Day assault in 1944, Costanza honored the legacy of those who fought to liberate Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Blaisdell, V Corps command sergeant major (right), attend the Signal Monument ceremony on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. The event honored the legacy of V Corps and the Soldiers who led the charge on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

Children dressed in military-style clothing watch the Signal Monument ceremony on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. As the 81st anniversary of D-Day is commemorated, a new generation observes the legacy of courage, sacrifice, and Allied unity that shaped Europe’s future. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 29th Infantry Division stand in formation during a commemorative ceremony at the Signal Monument on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. The event honored the Soldiers who landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day and highlighted the 29th ID’s historic role in the assault as part of V Corps. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)

OMAHA BEACH, France — Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, delivered remarks Friday, June 6th, 2025, at the Signal Monument near Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, commemorating the Soldiers who landed there during the D-Day invasion and honoring V Corps’ enduring role in the fight for European freedom.

“This Signal Monument is just one of 10 across Normandy," said Costanza. "It simply says, 'The Allied forces landing on this shore they call Omaha Beach liberate Europe - June 6, 1944.'"

V Corps, commanded in 1944 by Maj. Gen. Leonard T. Gerow was the headquarters responsible for planning and executing the assault on Omaha Beach, the most heavily fortified sector of the Normandy coastline. Working under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Allied command, V Corps oversaw the coordination of landings by the 1st Infantry Divisions and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as attached units from across the Allied force.

“Despite the terrible losses the men of the 29th and 1st Infantry Divisions fought their way inland linking the US beaches of Utah and Omaha with the other Allied beaches of Gold, Juno and Sword," continued Costanza. "Ultimately opening the door for the liberation of Europe."

The Signal Monument, located near Omaha Beach, is one of three memorials along the Normandy coast that commemorate the contributions and sacrifices made by the more than 34,000 Allied troops who landed at here on June 6, 1944.

“Three months after these Soldiers, from 15 different Allied countries set foot on the coast of France," remarked Costanza. "Paris was liberated. Less than a year later, Germany surrendered."

With the Army commemorating its 250th anniversary this year, Costanza underscored how V Corps’ role in D-Day reflects the enduring values of selfless service, leadership, and sacrifice that remain central to the force.

“Everyone of us here today that enjoys freedom and our way of life, have an inherent responsibility to live our lives in a way that honors those Soldiers who foughtand died here at Normandy so that 'The Cause for which they died shall live.'” said Costanza in closing. “Freedom and Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it and fight for it.”