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First Infantry Division Memorial: A Tribute to Courage

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A poignant memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer honoring the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division's sacrifice during the Normandy campaign on Omaha Beach.

The First Infantry Division Memorial, located in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division who lost their lives during the Normandy campaign. Overlooking Omaha Beach, the memorial offers a place for reflection on the sacrifices made during the D-Day landings and the subsequent battle for the liberation of Europe.

A brief summary to First Infantry Division Memorial

  • Colleville-sur-Mer, 14710, FR
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial to fully appreciate the historical context.
  • Take time to walk along Omaha Beach and reflect on the events of D-Day.
  • Visit the site early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and for a more contemplative experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The First Infantry Division Memorial is located near the Normandy American Cemetery. From the cemetery's visitor center, exit the grounds and follow the path towards the ocean. The memorial is a short walk from the cemetery exit, situated within the area of the former German strongpoint WN62.

  • Public Transport

    From Bayeux, take the line 120 bus towards Colleville-sur-Mer. Get off at the 'Colleville-sur-Mer - Mairie' bus stop. From there, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to the Normandy American Cemetery. Follow the signs to the cemetery, and then proceed on foot to the First Infantry Division Memorial.

  • Driving

    From Colleville-sur-Mer, follow the signs to the Normandy American Cemetery. There is a parking lot available at the cemetery. From the parking lot, walk towards the ocean. The First Infantry Division Memorial is located a short distance from the parking area.

Discover more about First Infantry Division Memorial

The First Infantry Division Memorial, also known as the 'Big Red One', is located near the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. This memorial pays homage to the officers and men of the 1st Infantry Division who were killed fighting for the liberation of the world. The memorial overlooks the Easy Red sector of Omaha Beach, where the 1st Infantry Division played a crucial role in the D-Day landings.The memorial itself is a tall, gray granite obelisk. Inscribed upon it are the names of the 627 members of the 1st Infantry Division who died between June 6 and July 24, 1944. The location of the memorial is within the area of Widerstandsnest 62 (WN62), one of the strongest German defensive positions on Omaha Beach. This adds to the site's significance, allowing visitors to reflect on the immense challenges faced by the soldiers who fought here.Visiting the First Infantry Division Memorial offers a profound and moving experience. It provides a space to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the 'Big Red One' and to contemplate the high cost of freedom. The site is freely accessible and provides a place for quiet reflection.

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