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Cantigny to commemorate 75th anniversary of D-Day June 6

On Thursday, June 6, join in a day of commemoration throughout Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton, as they honor the 75th anniversary of D-Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free with paid parking.

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.

At the First Division Museum, join in remembrance of those who served with a ceremony at 10 a.m. Families are welcome. Youth are encouraged to participate in an important moment of the ceremony.

In "History Alive! World War II" from noon to 4 p.m., step into the boots of a soldier. Try on the gear and train for your mission on the inflatable obstacle course at the interactive family activities.

Watch as performers bring to life real soldiers stories from D-Day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Single story performances through the day. Watch all three stories performed at 2:30 p.m.

At 11:30 a.m., it will be "1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor Story, followed at 12:30 p.m. with "320th Barrage Balloon Battalion Story," at 1:30 p.m. with "1st Infantry Division First Wave Story."

Come remember the soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division with an evening of oral histories at 7 p.m. Part of the popular "Date with History" series.

Drop-in programs are offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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 in ""Surviving D-Day" special exhibit.

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

At Cantigny Gardens, view World War II posters from the War and Food administration displayed throughout Cantigny Parks beautiful display gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get inspired to grow your own Victory Garden at home!

The Robert R. McCormick Museum Open House will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore the first and second floors of Robert R. McCormick's Cantigny home. Hear President Franklin Roosevelt's D-Day prayer broadcast over the McCormick's 1940s radio.

For information, visit cantigny.org/event/d-day-75th-anniversary/.

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