On June 6th, 1944, 200,000 American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France and changed the course of World War II. Many soldiers lost their lives that day and on Friday the nation will remember their sacrifice on the 70th anniversary of D-day. This was the largest allied invasion during the war and set the course for Allied forces in their final push against the occupying Nazi forces.
According to Time, hundreds of survivors will be gathering on Normandy beach to commemorate the day. World leaders will also be gathering in Normandy to remember those who gave their lives. About 100,000 soldiers on each side of the war passed away that day, as well as 20,000 Normandy citizens. President Barack Obama is scheduled finish his trip to Europe in Normandy, and while there will attend a wreath-laying ceremony in the village of Colleville-sur-Mer where the graves of close to 9,000 Americans can be found marked by rows of white crosses.
Back in the United States, Bedford, Virginia will be holding its own memorial events surrounding the National D-day Memorial. Bedford, although a small town, lost the most soldiers per capita on D-day of any American town. Thousands of people are expected to pay their respects and, according to Stars and Stripes, 13 buses of D-day veterans are planning on attending the events there. The day has been organized to honor the veterans and to throwback to the culture of the '40s. Events include a station where veterans will be telling their oral histories, a reunion tent for the veterans and a field style chapel service to honor those who died in the battle.
Americans across the nation will each be remembering D-day in their own ways on Friday. Both current servicemembers and those embarking on life after military will remember friends, family and heroes who gave their lives. The nation will remember what those who died on D-day gave up for the sake of their fellow Americans and what those currently serving in the military sacrifice each day for the safety and freedom of the country.