From 23 to 26 June 2025 young participants from all over Europe travelled to Caen in Normandy to discover the history of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy 81 years after this turning point in World War II. This study trip to France constitutes the fourth edition of the highly successful Active Remembrance Youth Program carried out by the LRE Foundation between autumn 2024 and winter 2025/2026.
Day 1 – The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église and the German Military Cemetery in La Cambe
Organised by LRE France director Isabelle Lebreton, the week started with an introduction to the historical background of D-Day and the events leading up to the Allied invasion of Normandy starting on 6 June 1944 by tour guide Cécile Belland. The participants, coming from eight different European countries were grateful for this knowledge, in preparation for their visit to the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église. Spread over different thematical buildings, visitors can learn everything about the airborne landings during D-Day, see original airplanes and can even try out a parachute themselves.
In the afternoon, the bus brought the group to the German Military Cemetery in La Cambe, where the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V. site manager introduced the humanitarian association’s work to the young history enthusiasts. Tour guide Cécile Belland took us on a tour around the cemetery, explaining the architectural considerations that went into the construction of this site of remembrance. She brought our attention to some tombstones that stand out and emphasized the importance of also laying the soldiers of the aggressor’s side to a dignified rest. Learning about the average age of the soldiers buried here being only 20 years old was the most remarkable part of this sobering visit.
Day 2 – Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and the D-Day Museum Arromanches
On the second day of the “Liberation from Normandy to Paris” exchange the first item on the agenda was the Normandy American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, an important part of the region’s remarkable WWII legacy. This cemetery stands in a stark contrast to the German cemetery visited the day before. It shows a clear symbolism of the victory of the Second World War and offers a breathtaking view of Omaha Beach, where the bloody battles in Normandy began on 6 June 1944.
Afterwards, we drove to Arromanches-les-Bains for a chance to see the D-Day Museum Arromanches, located beautifully on the beach of the seaside resort, codenamed Gold Beach. The visit also allowed for a refreshing dip in the sea, overlooking the remnants of Mulberry Harbor, which provided vital replenishment of equipment and personnel for the Allies during the Battle for Normandy (until 30 August 1944), also known as Operation Overlord.
Day 3 – Canadian Legacy at Juno Beach
On Wednesday, the young participants had the opportunity to explore the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. First, we discovered the remaining bunkers in the dunes. They were part of the German Atlantikwall, a defense system intended to prevent attacks coming from the Atlantic. The location also allows for easy access to Juno Beach, where 14,000 members of the First Canadian Army landed in 1944 to contribute to the liberation of Europe. This museum itself tells the story of the Canadian soldiers and also offers plenty of information regarding immigration to Canada, its native population and its societal issues since the post-war years.
Day 4 – Paris and Reflections
The last day started with a train ride to Paris and a visit to the Museum of the Order of Liberation located in the famous Hôtel National des Invalides. Afterwards, we also had time to discover the Historial Charles de Gaulle and the Army Museum in the same building complex. The end of the program was rounded off with a delicious lunch in a Parisian brasserie and a moment of reflection, where everyone could share their thoughts about this week.
Interested in becoming part of the LRE Active Remembrance Youth Program? There are still spots available for our upcoming exchanges, you can find all information here.
