Spread over 172 acres atop the cliffs of Colleville-sur-Mer, the Normandy American Cemetery solemnly honors the lives of the servicemen who died on D-Day and in the ensuing battles to liberate France. Nearly 9,400 Americans rest here—many of them among the waves of troops that landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, in one of the most pivotal operations of World War II.

Headstones at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer, France.

Though administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), this land is not considered U.S. soil. Nevertheless, French volunteers routinely place flowers and flags at the headstones—especially around American holidays—to show gratitude for the sacrifices made.

Reflecting on D-Day Sacrifices

Walking among the rows of crosses and Stars of David reveals the profound cost of freedom. Unlike British or German cemeteries, the headstones here do not list the ages of the fallen, although records show that most were in their early twenties. Nearby, a memorial wall lists over 1,500 missing servicemen whose remains have never been found.

Open year-round (except on Christmas and New Year’s Day), the cemetery is a powerful place to visit at any time, but the daily lowering of the American flag—accompanied by the playing of “Taps”—lends a particularly moving ending to the day.

Notable Burials and Stories

Many service members here received the nation’s highest honors. First Lieutenant Jimmy Monteith, for instance, guided tanks across Omaha Beach through relentless machine-gun fire. Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. also landed with the first wave on D-Day—despite his age and health issues—and is buried here.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking markers are those belonging to 33 pairs of brothers who lost their lives together. If you plan on visiting a relative’s grave, you can inform the ABMC in advance to help arrange a special wreath-laying or find additional information on their final resting place.

Tours to the Normandy American Cemetery

If you’re traveling from Paris, several of our tours showcase the most significant D-Day sites, including the cemetery:

These excursions provide expert guides who share compelling accounts of the invasion’s planning, execution, and aftermath, giving a richer understanding of the events that unfolded on June 6, 1944.

Planning Your Visit

A nearby visitor center offers engaging exhibits that delve into the broader context of D-Day and the stories of those who fought here. Omaha Beach itself lies just below the cemetery’s bluff—take time to walk the shoreline and reflect on the daunting challenge facing Allied troops who landed there under enemy fire.

A statue in the center of the memorial at the American Cemetery at Colleville Sur Mer.

Even decades later, the Normandy American Cemetery remains a poignant reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who fought for freedom. A visit here will likely stay with you long after you leave, underscoring the depth of commitment shown by these young Americans on French soil.