Omaha Beach
About Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach is a 6-kilometer stretch of golden sand on the Normandy coast, one of five sectors where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, during Operation Overlord. This beach saw the heaviest fighting of D-Day, with American forces from the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions facing fortified German positions on the bluffs above. Today the beach is a peaceful public area accessible year-round, with the striking 'Les Braves' memorial sculpture standing in the sand. The Normandy American Cemetery sits on the bluffs overlooking the beach, containing 9,387 graves and offering a free visitor center. Several museums in the area display original equipment, vehicles, and personal artifacts from the landing. The beach itself is free to access and suitable for walking, though visitors should check tide times as the sea retreats significantly at low tide. June commemorations around the D-Day anniversary draw large crowds, while spring and autumn offer quieter visits.
Interesting Facts
The code name 'Omaha' came from a random draw of American city names, selected by a soldier from Nebraska whose hometown was Omaha. The five D-Day beaches were named after cities: Omaha and Utah (American sectors), while Gold, Juno, and Sword were British and Canadian sectors.
The 'Les Braves' memorial sculpture was created by French artist Anilore Banon and installed in 2004 for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. The three elements represent 'Wings of Hope', 'Rise Freedom', and 'Wings of Fraternity'. The sculpture stands directly on the sand where soldiers landed and is partially submerged at high tide.
Among the first soldiers to land on Omaha Beach was Charles Shay, a Penobscot Native American medic who saved numerous lives under fire. He was just 19 years old on D-Day. Shay later returned to live in Normandy, and a memorial dedicated to Native American D-Day veterans was unveiled in his honor in 2017.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Plage d'Omaha, 14710 Vierville-sur-Mer, France
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