Cimetière Américain de Colleville-sur-Mer

About

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, situated on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach in Colleville‑Sur‑Mer, Normandy, France, serves as the final resting place for 9,389 American service members who fell during the D‑Day landings and subsequent operations of World War II. Spanning 172.5 acres, the cemetery is arranged in neat rows of white marble headstones, interspersed with memorials such as the Wall of the Missing and the bronze statue "Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves." Visitors can explore the semi‑circular colonnade, the visitor center, and an orientation table that provides a panoramic view of the Normandy landings. The site offers free admission and does not require advance booking, making it highly accessible to travelers seeking a solemn tribute to the sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces. The tranquil setting, historic significance, and carefully curated exhibits allow visitors to reflect on the courage of those who served. Visitors typically spend a couple of hours strolling through the cemetery's grounds, viewing the memorials, and attending the visitor center's educational displays, which provide context for the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Highlights

• Spirit of American Youth Statue
• Wall of the Missing
• Visitor Center
• Orientation Table

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours