Day 01
Omaha Beach's Easy Red and Fox Green Sectors
- Begin your day at the Omaha Beach Visitor Center. Browse the exhibits to gain context for the events that unfolded during the historic D-Day invasion. You can also pick up a map and informational brochures to help guide you throughout the tour.
- Leave the visitor center and walk towards Widerstandsnest 60 (WN60). This German strongpoint stood at the extreme eastern end of Omaha Beach, atop the steep cliffs. The vantage point here gives you an overview of the Easy Red sector. It was here that the American forces first broke through the German defences. Take time to explore the trenches and bunkers, and look out for the 88mm artillery gun and the 20mm anti-aircraft gun that were once housed here.
- Next, walk over to Widerstandsnest 61 (WN61). Along the way, notice the rolling topography and the difficulty the Allied forces faced. WN61 played a significant role in the assault on the Easy Red and Fox Green sectors. Its most notable feature is the concrete observation bunker that allowed the Germans to coordinate their defences. The area is peaceful today, but try to imagine what it was like on D-Day, when it was one of the deadliest areas on Omaha Beach.
- Continue walking east along the beach towards Widerstandsnest 62 (WN62), the most heavily fortified resistance nest in the Fox Green sector. Explore the vast network of trenches and gun pits, as well as several well-preserved bunkers. WN62 held out for most of D-Day, causing heavy casualties among the assaulting American troops. Take a moment of silence here to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the men who fought here.
- From WN62, make your way to the Normandy American Cemetery, a short distance away. Spend the last part of your tour at the Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. Here lie more than 9,000 American servicemen who gave their lives during the invasion. Walk through the serene grounds, visit the chapel, and pay your respects at the Garden of the Missing. Don't miss the visitor center, which features exhibits about American military involvement in Europe during World War II.
- End your tour by reflecting on the immense sacrifices made during one of the largest military operations in history. Enjoy the peaceful vista, the final resting place for so many, set against the site of such intense conflict.
