Celebrations in Saint Mère Église

Normandy was beautiful, but this...

In all my travels overseas, whether on a military deployment or purely for personal reasons, I’ve never seen the locals intentionally dress up as Americans.

That is until I visited Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

More specifically, the small town of Saint Mère Église.

Nestled in the serene countryside of Normandy, France, Saint Mère Église has etched its place in history as a town of significance during World War II. On the fateful night of June 5th, 1944, this quiet town became the focal point of a pivotal moment that would contribute significantly to the liberation of France and the eventual downfall of Nazi Germany.

The Calm Before the Storm

Saint Mère Église, like many small towns in Normandy, had been under Nazi occupation for years. However, on that June night, its tranquil streets were abruptly awakened by the roar of airborne aircraft. The 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers descended with a mission to secure the town and to hinder German reinforcements from reaching the nearby landing beaches. The operation, however, didn’t unfold as planned. Strong winds and navigation errors scattered paratroopers across the countryside, with some landing directly amidst enemy troops in the town square.

A Paratrooper’s Tale of Survival

One paratrooper, Private John Steele, found himself dangling from the town church’s steeple after his parachute became ensnared. Remarkably, Steele feigned death, surviving the night until the eventual Allied control of the town. By midnight’s end, the paratroopers had regrouped, launching an assault that would culminate in Saint Mère Église's liberation by dawn - marking a crucial first step in securing Normandy.

I’m willing to bet that many of you have seen the John Wayne movie, “The Longest Day”…and if you haven’t? Well, it covers that very day and all the operations that occur in this amazing French town.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

For the 80th anniversary, the annual celebrations of D-Day were turned up to eleven. I got to see a parade that had functioning old WW2 era tanks, American army jeeps, and yes…many Frenchmen dressed up as WW2 paratroopers. The streets there still echo the jubilance felt upon the town's liberation as I have never felt so welcome as an American while overseas.

It was amazing.

A Legacy of Liberation: Normandy’s Beacon

The liberation of Saint Mère Église set the stage for subsequent vital operations, including linking Normandy’s beachheads and the strategic conquest of towns and cities like Carentan and Caen. These efforts paved the way for Allied troops to advance toward Paris and beyond, culminating in Germany’s retreat and eventual defeat.

Saint Mère Église is more than a town reclaimed from Nazi occupation; it is a living memorial to the spirit and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. Whether through its engaging museum exhibits or annual festivities, the town remains a poignant reminder of the wartime courage that forever changed the course of history. For history buffs and casual visitors alike, visiting this remarkable town is an opportunity to connect with a powerful legacy of liberation and heroism.

🎥 The first WW2 town liberated by American paratroopers | Sainte-Mere-Eglise

🎙️ The WW2 Liberation of Saint Mère Église: A D-Day Story

📍 Saint Mère Église

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