General Eisenhower and D-Day

General Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks to the men of the 101st Airborne Division on the eve of the Normandy Invasion, June 5, 1944

Library of Congress

Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower's June 6, 1944 Order of the Day

The events of June 6, 1944 forever changed the history of the world. The D-Day invasion of Normandy--codenamed Operation Overlord--was a pivotal chapter in World War II, and it gave General Dwight Eisenhower and the Allied Expeditionary Force a foothold in Nazi occupied France.

This page contains resources to explore the stories of D-Day, from the men in the ranks who undertook the invasion to General Eisenhower himself.

 

Virtual Program

"The Great Crusade": Remembering D-Day

Eisenhower National Historic Site commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day along our partners and allies in this moving virtual program.

Photo Album

D-Day 80th Naturalization Ceremony

On June 6, 2024, Eisenhower NHS commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a naturalization ceremony.

Article

Eisenhower and the Planning of D-Day

The months leading up to D-Day tested Eisenhower's leadership skills. Discover the tension filled story of the lead up to D-Day.

Photo Album

D-Day Living History

On June 8 and 9, 2024, Eisenhower NHS hosted living history displays and programs for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. See highlights here.

Virtual Program

Eisenhower and the ABMC

Join ABMC Interpretive Specialist Geert Van den Bogaert to explore Dwight Eisenhower's connections with Normandy and the ABMC.

Article Series

D-Day Burials in Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for 14 soldiers who were killed on D-Day. Explore their stories here.

Article

Eisenhower and the Memory of D-Day

Discover the story of how Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower honored the wishes of one Gold Star Mother upon their visit to Normandy in 1963.

Virtual Program

The Americans on D-Day

Historian Jon Tracey joins us to explore the American experience on D-Day in this virtual program.

Virtual Program

The Canadians on D-Day

Historian Andrew Frantz explore Canada's involvement in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in this virtual program.

Student Education Program

Ike and the Men of D-Day

Check out our Ike and the Men of D-Day Student Education Program. See the lesson plan and learn how to book the program.

Virtual Program

PFC Clairus Riggs

PFC Clairus Riggs is one of 14 D-Day casualties buried in Gettysburg. Explore his story with this virtual program.

Virtual Program

The "Great Crusade" at 80 Winter Lecture

Park Ranger Dan Vermilya spoke on the legacy of D-Day for Gettysburg's 2024 Winter Lecture series. See the full program here.

People Page

Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery

Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery was a close yet complicated ally of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Learn more here.