Vierville-sur-Mer in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe

National Guard of the United States Memorial

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

1. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

Inscription.

National Guard of the United States Memorial. . On three outer walls of the U-shaped monument are quotes from three major Allied leaders: , We too born to freedom and believing in freedom are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We and all others who believe as deeply as we do would rather die on our feet than live on our knees. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 19 June 1941. , I am all for volunteers who come from some uplifting of the human soul, some spirit arising in the human breast. Winston R. Churchill, 6 May 1947. , Les armes ont torturé mais aussi façonné le monde… , Honteuse et magnifique, leur histoire est celle des hommes Charles de Gaulle. , On the inside walls of the monument are English and French text outlining the participation of National Guard in World War I and World War II., English: 1917 - 1918. , The National Guard answered the call to arms when the United States mobilized its forces in 1918 and virtually every guardsman served in France with the historic American Expeditionary Force. Approximately every fifth soldier in the A.E.F. was a citizen soldier of the National Guard. National Guardsmen fought in every battle in which American troops were engaged. And, of the 48,900 American battle deaths, 18,238 were Guardsmen who gave their lives that the people of France, Belgium and Holland might live once again, in freedom and peace., To the glory of the citizen-soldier our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust and in succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization. General John J. Pershing, February 1919. , Lunéville, Chemin des Dames, Toul-Boucq, Château-Thierry, Amiens, Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Vesle, Baccarat, Fismes, Oise-Aisne, Somme, Verdun-Fromereville, Clermont, Grange-le-Comte, Essey-Pannes, St-Mihiel, Ypres-Lys, Avocourt, Troyon, Meuse-Argonne, Thiaucourt., Center piece text: , "For our comrades in arms who have fallen, may the blessing of the Almighty God descend upon this spot and remain forever." A Chaplain, 29th Infantry Division, June 1944. , Thousands of citizen-soldiers of the National Guard stormed ashore on these beaches on 6 June 1944 as part of the Army of the United States. They fought valiantly and with great distinction in all the ensuing battles and campaigns of World War II. More than a quarter-century earlier, in World War I, their fathers shed blood in Europe in the cause of freedom. To all of them, and to the principles for which they fought, this monument is dedicated. , 1940 - 1945. , In the greatest war in history, citizen-soldiers of the National Guard fought in every action in which the United States Army engaged. Compiling brilliant combat records in every corner of the world, scome 300 000 National Guardsmen were mobilized in 1940-41 as America made ready for a conflict that was to engulf much of the civilized world. National Guardsmen took part in 34 major campaigns and seven assault landings, inlcuding the historic assault which took place on the beaches below this site on 6 June 1944. Thousands became casualties within view of this monument. Many of them cut down by fire from the battered enemy pillbox upon which this memorial stands., "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can. Yet there is one thing to be said on the credit side. Victory required a mighty manifestation of the most ennobling virtues of man: faith, courage, fortitude, sacrifice. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 10, 1946. , Normandy, Southern France, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, En Français: 1917 - 1918. , La National Guard a répondu a l'appel aux armes lorsque les États-Unis ont mobilisé leurs forces en 1918. Ils ont servi en France dans les rangs du célèbre corps expéditionnaire américain. Les Gardes Nationaux ont participé à toutes les batailles ou les troupes américaines étaient engagées et sur 48 000 américains morts au champ d’honneur 18 238 étaient des gardes nationaux. Ils ont donné leur vie pour que les peuples de France de Belgique et des Pays-Bas puissent vivre de nouveau dans la liberté et dans la paix., A la gloire des soldats citoyens nos troupes ont fidèlement accompli leur mission et par une succession de brillantes offensives elles ont conjure le péril qui menaçait notre civilisation General John J. Pershing, février 1919. , Le texte dans le centre: , Pour nos compagnons d'arme tombes au champ d'honneur puisse dieu tout puissant répandre a jamais sa bénédiction sur ce coin de terre. , Un aumônier 29émé Division d’Infanterie, juin 1944, Des milliers de soldats citoyens de la National Guard ont débarque sur ces plages le 6 juin 1944 dans les rangs de l’armée des États-Unis. Ils ont combat tu vaillamment et héroïquement dans toutes les batailles et au cours des campagnes de la 2émé guerre mondiale. Plus d’un quart de siècle auparavant pendant la première guerre mondiale leurs pères avaient versé leur sang en Europe pour la cause de la liberté. C’est à eux et aux principes pour lesquels ils ont combattu que ce monument est dédié. , 1940 - 1945. , Au cours de la plus grande guerre de l'histoire les soldats citoyens de la National Guard ont participé à toutes les actions dans lesquelles l’armée des États-Unis a été engagée, inscrivant a leur actif de brillants états de service dans toutes les parties du monde trois cent mille gardes nationaux ont été mobilisés en 1940-41. Alors que l’Amérique se préparait pour un conflit, qui devait ravager une grande partie du monde civilise ils ont participé a 34 campagnes, a 7 opérations de débarquement notamment au débarquement qui eut lieu sur ces plages le 6 juin 1944. Des milliers d’entre eux périrent ici-même plusieurs furent fauches par le feu du blockhaus sur lequel ce monument est érige., Je hais la guerre comme seul peut le faire un soldat qui l’a vécue pourtant une chose peut être. Mise à son crédit; la victoire a exigé une puissante manifestation des plus nobles vertus de l’homme la foi, le courage, la grandeur d’amé et le sacrifice.

On three outer walls of the U-shaped monument are quotes from three major Allied leaders:
We too born to freedom and believing in freedom are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We and all others who believe as deeply as we do would rather die on our feet than live on our knees. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 19 June 1941
I am all for volunteers who come from some uplifting of the human soul, some spirit arising in the human breast. Winston R. Churchill, 6 May 1947
Les armes ont torturé mais aussi façonné le monde…
Honteuse et magnifique, leur histoire est celle des hommes Charles de Gaulle
On the inside walls of the monument are English and French text outlining the participation of National Guard in World War I and World War II.

English: 1917 - 1918
The National Guard answered the call to arms when the United States mobilized its forces in 1918 and virtually every guardsman served in France with the historic American Expeditionary Force. Approximately every fifth soldier in the A.E.F. was a citizen soldier of the National Guard. National Guardsmen fought in every battle in which American troops were engaged. And, of the 48,900 American battle deaths, 18,238 were Guardsmen who gave their

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

lives that the people of France, Belgium and Holland might live once again, in freedom and peace.

To the glory of the citizen-soldier our troops have faithfully fulfilled their trust and in succession of brilliant offensives have overcome the menace to our civilization. General John J. Pershing, February 1919
Lunéville, Chemin des Dames, Toul-Boucq, Château-Thierry, Amiens, Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Vesle, Baccarat, Fismes, Oise-Aisne, Somme, Verdun-Fromereville, Clermont, Grange-le-Comte, Essey-Pannes, St-Mihiel, Ypres-Lys, Avocourt, Troyon, Meuse-Argonne, Thiaucourt.

Center piece text:
"For our comrades in arms who have fallen, may the blessing of the Almighty God descend upon this spot and remain forever." A Chaplain, 29th Infantry Division, June 1944
Thousands of citizen-soldiers of the National Guard stormed ashore on these beaches on 6 June 1944 as part of the Army of the United States. They fought valiantly and with great distinction in all the ensuing battles and campaigns of World War II. More than a quarter-century earlier, in World War I, their fathers shed blood in Europe in the cause of freedom. To all of them, and to the principles for which they fought, this monument is dedicated.
1940 - 1945
In the greatest war in history, citizen-soldiers

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

2. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

of the National Guard fought in every action in which the United States Army engaged. Compiling brilliant combat records in every corner of the world, scome 300 000 National Guardsmen were mobilized in 1940-41 as America made ready for a conflict that was to engulf much of the civilized world. National Guardsmen took part in 34 major campaigns and seven assault landings, inlcuding the historic assault which took place on the beaches below this site on 6 June 1944. Thousands became casualties within view of this monument. Many of them cut down by fire from the battered enemy pillbox upon which this memorial stands.

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can. Yet there is one thing to be said on the credit side. Victory required a mighty manifestation of the most ennobling virtues of man: faith, courage, fortitude, sacrifice. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 10, 1946
Normandy, Southern France, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Alsace-Lorraine, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg

En Français: 1917 - 1918
La National Guard a répondu a l'appel aux armes lorsque les États-Unis ont mobilisé leurs forces en 1918. Ils ont servi en France dans les rangs du célèbre corps expéditionnaire américain. Les Gardes Nationaux ont participé à toutes les batailles ou les

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

3. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

troupes américaines étaient engagées et sur 48 000 américains morts au champ d’honneur 18 238 étaient des gardes nationaux. Ils ont donné leur vie pour que les peuples de France de Belgique et des Pays-Bas puissent vivre de nouveau dans la liberté et dans la paix.

A la gloire des soldats citoyens nos troupes ont fidèlement accompli leur mission et par une succession de brillantes offensives elles ont conjure le péril qui menaçait notre civilisation General John J. Pershing, février 1919
Le texte dans le centre:
Pour nos compagnons d'arme tombes au champ d'honneur puisse dieu tout puissant répandre a jamais sa bénédiction sur ce coin de terre.
Un aumônier 29émé Division d’Infanterie, juin 1944

Des milliers de soldats citoyens de la National Guard ont débarque sur ces plages le 6 juin 1944 dans les rangs de l’armée des États-Unis. Ils ont combat tu vaillamment et héroïquement dans toutes les batailles et au cours des campagnes de la 2émé guerre mondiale. Plus d’un quart de siècle auparavant pendant la première guerre mondiale leurs pères avaient versé leur sang en Europe pour la cause de la liberté. C’est à eux et aux principes pour lesquels ils ont combattu que ce monument est dédié.
1940 - 1945
Au cours de la plus grande guerre de l'histoire les soldats citoyens de

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

4. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

la National Guard ont participé à toutes les actions dans lesquelles l’armée des États-Unis a été engagée, inscrivant a leur actif de brillants états de service dans toutes les parties du monde trois cent mille gardes nationaux ont été mobilisés en 1940-41. Alors que l’Amérique se préparait pour un conflit, qui devait ravager une grande partie du monde civilise ils ont participé a 34 campagnes, a 7 opérations de débarquement notamment au débarquement qui eut lieu sur ces plages le 6 juin 1944. Des milliers d’entre eux périrent ici-même plusieurs furent fauches par le feu du blockhaus sur lequel ce monument est érige.

Je hais la guerre comme seul peut le faire un soldat qui l’a vécue pourtant une chose peut être. Mise à son crédit; la victoire a exigé une puissante manifestation des plus nobles vertus de l’homme la foi, le courage, la grandeur d’amé et le sacrifice.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.

Location. 49° 22.749′ N, 0° 54.172′ W. Marker is in Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. Marker can be reached from Rue de la Percée close to Boulevard de Cauvigny (Route D517). Touch for map. Marker

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

5. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

In remembrance of the National Guard Units which participated in the Amphibious Assault on D-Day 6-7 June 1944

is at or near this postal address: 5 Rue de la Percée, Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandie, France. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 29th Infantry Division at Vierville-sur-Mer (a few steps from this marker); Ever Forward (within shouting distance of this marker); Le sacrifice des soldats américains sur la plage de Vierville (within shouting distance of this marker); Le port artificiel "Mulberry" d'Omaha Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Air Force 6 June 1944 (within shouting distance of this marker); 29th Infantry Division Memorial (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); 6th Engineer Special Brigade Memorial (about 210 meters away); Operation Aquatint (approx. 1.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vierville-sur-Mer.

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

6. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

In appreciation for the dedicated commitment of the people of Vierville-sur-Mer in helping us build and maintain the National Guard Memorial.
An eternal commemoration of the heroic freedom fighters of France and the U.S. Military Forces which on that fateful day of June 6, 1944 earned a permanent place in history.

The National Guard Association of the United States, Washington, D.C., expresses its gratitude to some of those who made this memorial possible.
M. Fernand Leterrier • M. Pierre le Gallois • M. Michel Hardelay • M. Henri Igouf • Colonel G.M. ver Hulst, A.B.M.C

Presented June 1989

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

7. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

En reconnaissance du dévouement de habitants de Vierville-sur-Mer pour leur aide à la construction et à l’entretien du "National Guard Memorial.
En souvenir éternel de héroïques défenseurs de la liberté de la France et des forces armées des États-Unis qui, en ce jour décisif du 6 juin 1944. Ont à jamais grave leurs noms dans l’histoire.

L’Association de la Garde Nationale des États-Unis exprime sa gratitude à tous ceux qui one contribue à la réalisation de ce mémorial.
M. Fernand Leterrier • M. Pierre le Gallois • M. Michel Hardelay • M. Henri Igouf • Colonel G.M. ver Hulst, A.B.M.C

Dédie: juin 1989

Ever Forward statue and the National Guard of the United States Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

8. Ever Forward statue and the National Guard of the United States Memorial

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

9. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

The monument sits on top of an enemy fighting position overlooking the beach. There is a non-functioning artillery piece within the bunker.

Photographed By Kevin W., July 1, 2015

10. National Guard of the United States Memorial Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 19, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on September 20, 2015, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.