The Georgia World War II Heritage Trail and its partner museums and historic sites will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2026, through exhibits, educational programming, remembrance activities, and interpretive experiences highlighting one of the most significant military operations of World War II.
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the invasion of Nazi-occupied France. More than 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and Allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history. The operation marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe and remains one of the defining events of the Second World War.
Across Georgia, museums and historic sites participating in the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail preserve and interpret the stories of the military personnel, support organizations, and communities that contributed to the success of the Allied war effort. Through aircraft collections, military exhibits, archival materials, historic structures, and educational programs, Trail partners help connect visitors to the experiences of those who served during the war.
Trail partners currently interpreting aspects of the D-Day story and the broader European campaign include the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, National Infantry Museum, Museum of Aviation, Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, World War II Flight Training Museum, Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia, Andersonville National Historic Site, Camp Toccoa at Currahee, Currahee Military Museum, World War II Home Front Museum, St. Marys Submarine Museum, and Thomaston-Upson Archives and Upson Historical Society.
Collectively, these organizations preserve stories of military service, aviation training, infantry operations, home-front mobilization, industrial production, and wartime sacrifice that contributed to Allied victory in Europe.
“D-Day represents one of history’s most consequential demonstrations of courage, preparation, and sacrifice,” said Ed Coleman, chair of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. “The success of the Normandy invasion depended not only on the soldiers who landed on the beaches but also on the aircrews, sailors, support personnel, and millions of Americans whose efforts sustained the war effort. The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail exists to ensure these stories remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.”
The D-Day commemoration is part of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail’s ongoing effort to promote public understanding of Georgia’s role in World War II while supporting statewide heritage tourism and educational engagement. The observance also aligns with the Trail’s participation in America 250, the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Visitors are encouraged to consult individual museum and historic site websites for information regarding special exhibits, programs, and commemorative activities scheduled in conjunction with the D-Day anniversary.