The story of this place
On the bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery holds the graves of 9,388 US service members, most killed during the D-Day landings and the ensuing Battle of Normandy in 1944. Rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David stretch across 172 immaculate acres of ground granted in perpetuity to the United States by France. A memorial colonnade, reflecting pool and the bronze statue 'Spirit of American Youth' anchor the site, while a Wall of the Missing lists 1,557 names. Among the graves lie the two Niland brothers whose story inspired Saving Private Ryan. Over a million people visit each year.