D-Day+80 Commemoration

Saturday, June 1, 2024 to Thursday, June 6, 2024

Details

The Eisenhower Foundation invites all World War II veterans to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, on June 6, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The D-Day+80 Years event will include a Meet a World War II Veteran Reception, free admission to the Eisenhower Presidential Museum, speakers, a remembrance ceremony, military re-enactors, hands-on education programs, and more.

Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the Allied armies' land, air, and sea forces in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. This historic event turned the tide of World War II and led to the eventual Allied victory over Nazi tyranny.

For more information or to register a veteran to attend, contact Lisa Kijowski, Ike’s Soldiers Specialist, at 785-263-6771.

The Eisenhower Foundation non-profit was formed in 1945 after the Allied victory in Europe to create a memorial to General Eisenhower. The mission of the Eisenhower Foundation is to honor and champion the relevance of the life and leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower today through compelling programs and events that celebrate his life and legacy.

The 22-acre campus in Abilene includes the Presidential Library, Presidential Museum, Boyhood Home, Visitors Center and Place of Meditation, Eisenhower’s final resting place.

Opening June 1 — Normandy D-Day Commemoration Photos Exhibit
We have commissioned French Photographer Fabrice Bourge to curate a special exhibit which will be featured in the Eisenhower Museum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He has a collection of almost 20 years of photographs that capture the D-Day ceremonies and events in Normandy, France. The exhibit will highlight photos that demonstrate the respect and gratitude that Normans show to veterans during these annual D-Day events.

June 1 — Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Foundation are thrilled to host the 2024 Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert on Saturday, June 1. Attended by thousands of visitors from across
Kansas, the event features music from the Salina Symphony and the Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band, as well as food vendors and educational activities.

June 4-6 — World War II Emerging Scholars Symposium
The Eisenhower, Roosevelt, and Truman Presidential Libraries will present this emerging scholars symposium in partnership. The 2024 symposium theme is Waging Peace; it will be held virtually and will be streamed via YouTube.

June 6 — D-Day+80 Years Commemoration
Activities include a remembrance ceremony, a meet World War II veteran reception, World War II veteran panel, free admission to the Eisenhower Presidential Museum, military reenactors, and hands-on IKEducation programs.