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Retired British Army Maj. Gary Piggott, MBE, looks skyward as a C-130 Hercules soars overhead during the Eisenhower Legacy Ceremony in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025. A veteran of every major British conflict since Northern Ireland and a decorated officer of the Coldstream Guards, Piggott now preserves the legacy of Operation Overlord through battlefield tours in Normandy. His presence at the ceremony underscores the enduring bond between Allied nations and their shared commitment to honoring the past. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)
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Attendees observe a moment of reflection during the Eisenhower Monument ceremony in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025. The event commemorated the 81st anniversary of D-Day and honored the sacrifices of Allied forces who fought to liberate Europe from tyranny. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)
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U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, delivers remarks at the Eisenhower Monument ceremony in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025. The backdrop featured a historic photo of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gen. Charles de Gaulle, symbolizing Allied unity and shared purpose during the liberation of Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)
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Soldiers from V Corps' Best Squad, assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, render honors during a ceremony at the Eisenhower Monument near the Father Maternowski Memorial in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025. The ceremony commemorated the 81st anniversary of D-Day and honored Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s enduring legacy of leadership, unity, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)
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A French official delivers opening remarks during a ceremony honoring Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025. Held near the Father Maternowski Memorial, the event marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day and reflected the enduring Franco-American alliance built on shared sacrifice and a commitment to peace. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tyler Brock)
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U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, delivered remarks Saturday at the Eisenhower Monument near the Father Maternowski Memorial in Amfreville, France, June 7, 2025, honoring the legacy of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Allied forces whose courage shaped the course of World War II.
“It is important to remember why we are here in Normandy today, and how history brought us to this location,” said Costanza. “It was here at Tournieres, on August 20, 1944, that Gen. Eisenhower and Gen. Charles De Gaulle decided on the strategy for the liberation of Paris,” added Costanza.
“Everyone of us here today that enjoys freedom, our families and our way of life, have an inherent responsibility to live our lives in a way that honors those Soldiers who fought and died here," Costanza said.
In his speech, Costanza described Eisenhower not only as a military leader, but as a strategic leader that despite the stress that comes with planning an invasion he still took time for Soldiers.
“Shortly after General Eisenhower made the difficult decision to launch the invasion of Normandy, he drafted a note accepting full responsibility if the landings failed, Costanza remarked. “After he wrote that note and put it in his pocket, he went to visit the US Soldiers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as they prepared to load planes for their airborne operations into France. A reporter that was with him looked over at Eisenhower - he was watching the planes take off with tears coming down his face.”
The monument near Amfreville stands just miles from the beaches where Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944. It also neighbors the site where Father Joseph Maternowski, a U.S. Army chaplain, was killed while tending to the wounded. Their stories, Costanza emphasized, are reminders of the selfless service that defines the U.S. military.
“Everyone of us here today that enjoys freedom, our families and our way of life, have an inherent responsibility to live our lives in a way that honors those Soldiers who fought and died here at Normandy so that "the cause for which they died shall live," Costanza said. “Not just today on the 81st Anniversary of D-day, but everyday.”
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