Free with Paid Parking.

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Join us for a day of commemoration throughout Cantigny Park as we honor the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the largest amphibious invasion in history: Operation Overlord. The Allied invasion of the Normandy region triggered the liberation of Nazi-occupied France and laid the foundation for victory in Europe. Learn about the role the 1st Infantry Division played on this important day in world history, 75 years ago.

First Division Museum

Scheduled Events:

Memorial Ceremony (10 AM) – Join us in remembrance of those who served. Families welcome. We encourage youth to participate in an important moment of the ceremony.

History Alive! WWII (12 PM- 4 PM) – Step into the boots of a WWII soldier. Try on the gear and train for your mission on our inflatable obstacle course at our interactive family activities.

Meet the Soldiers of D-Day (11:30 AM, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 PM) – Watch as performers bring to life real soldiers stories from D-Day. Single story performances through the day. Watch all three stories performed at 2:30 PM.

11:30 AM: 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor Story
12:30 PM: 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Story
1:30 PM: 1st Infantry Division First Wave Story
2:30 PM: Watch All Three Stories

Voices of D-Day: Oral History Presentation (7 PM) – Come remember the soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division with an evening of oral histories narrated by the First Division Museum. Part of our popular Date with History Series.

Drop in:
10 AM- 5PM

D-Day Memorial Sand Sculpture– View a one of a kind sculpture made entirely of sand representing soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division who served on Omaha Beach.

“Surviving D-Day” Special Exhibit – How would you navigate the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach? Through first-hand accounts and recollections explore the decisions of individual soldiers and the aftermath of their actions.

Historic Vehicles and World War II Encampment – Get hands-on with some of our favorite vehicles from our collection and meet some American World War II reenactors. Pick up an Encampment Scavenger Hunt to help you along the way!

Around Cantigny Park

10 AM- 5 PM

Cantigny Gardens – View World War II posters from the War and Food administration displayed throughout Cantigny Parks beautiful display gardens. Get inspired to grow your own Victory Garden at home!

Robert R. McCormick Museum – more information coming soon.