The preservation and restoration of history is one of Wargaming’s most passionate missions. So too is spreading awareness and educating whomever we can about the era that inspires our games. Sponsoring the Band of Brothers Actors Reunion for the second year in a row is a very important step in our ongoing mission. We have put together a brief overview of what visitors can expect at the several locations they will visit.
Overlord Museum
The Overlord Museum, located in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, will be one of the first destinations on the tour. It is located parallel to Omaha Beach, close to the American Cemetery. The museum was erected to pay tribute to all those who fought during the period, and the building has been integrated into the site.
Surrounding the museum, visitors will be able to see various armored fighting vehicles in the colors and markings belonging to the Regiments and Divisions which fought in Normandy. There is also X, a symbolic milestone designed by Francois Victor Cogné in 1947 that were placed along the route of Patton's 3rd Army from Normandy to Metz and Bastogne. Visitors can also find one of the Royal Engineer’s Bailey bridges and flags from the nations that participated in the battle of Normandy.
June 5 Events
For the Band of Brothers Actors Reunion, there will be at trivia contest with fans vs. actors at the museum. A large collection of World War II vehicles will be on display, as well as a reenactment camp.
For more information, visit the Overlord Museum’s website:
http://www.overlordmuseum.com/en/museum/
You can also take a virtual tour here.
Utah Beach Museum
The Utah Beach Museum is built where the first American troops landed on June 6, 1944. At the museum, visitors can discover the story of D-Day in 10 sequences, from landing preparations to later success. Complementing an attendee’s journey is a fantastic collection of objects, vehicles, materials, as well spoken recounts.
Visitors can find an original B26 bomber, which is one of only six surviving examples in existence. They can also explore a soldier’s journey through the film “Victory in the Sand”. The museum helps people understand the strategic rationale for the Allied invasion of Normandy, as well as the success of the operation at Utah Beach.
June 6 Events
At the Utah Beach Museum there will be a Q&A panel discussion with the actors, where attendees can ask questions about the making of Band of Brothers or anything else about the men they portrayed. There is also an autograph session with the actors, photo opportunities, as well as the chance to meet Utah Beach D-Day Veterans. Finally, War History Online will be picking a name out of a World War II helmet from all the guests attending to determine who will assist the actors laying the wreath at the Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument.
For more information, visit the Utah Beach Museum’s website:
Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument
On June 6, 2006, the World War II Foundation dedicated the Richard D. Winters Leadership Monument in Normandy, France. The monument recognizes the Americans who led the charge on D-Day, June 6, 1944. It is located close to the village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and just three miles from the shores of Utah Beach.
To raise money for the project, World War II Foundation had a number of private and corporate donors, including those from the Band of Brothers television series. The statue was conceived and dedicated with the help of the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont community, its local citizens, and the staff of the Utah Beach Museum, Major Richard Winters and his family and friends.
The Richard D. Winters Monument, Nornandy, France.
Before Major Winters passed away, and in the fundraising process, the foundation made a promise to Major Winters, that it would be the only statue in the world utilizing his name, image, and recognizing his leadership role on D-Day.
June 7 Events
There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Richard D. Winters Leaderships Monument with actors and VIPs, which will also include military veterans and the public.
Wargaming is proud to be sponsoring the Band of Brothers Actors Reunion and wishes all those attending and involved a great and memorable event.