COMMEMORATE

&

CARRY FORWARD

On June 5-6, 2025, the Pivot Project will host its first annual “Operation Commemorate and Carry Forward” event in Normandy, France to celebrate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and inspire positive action for America’s workforce.

ABOUT THE VISIT

Pivot Project coordinates, reserves, and plans organized site visits to the historic D-Day landing sites in Normandy, France. All attendees will stay at 16th Century French chateaus and farmhouses, visit historic locations, and attend multiple commemorative events.

PHASE 1: COMMEMORATE

Pivot Project Partners spend several unforgettable days executing daytime, evening, and morning-of D-Day events. Attend in person to learn more. (There is no dial-in option)

PHASE 2: CARRY FORWARD

Pivot Project Partners will reflect on their experience and apply lessons learned to all future endeavors and partnerships.

In June 2024, millions gathered in Northern France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with over 10,000 attending the official memorial. The bravery of those who fought endures as a testament to the human spirit.

But remembering is not enough. At the Pivot Project, while we commemorate those that paid the ultimate price, we also seek to honor their sacrifice through inspiring action, carrying their legacy forward.

FAQs

Do I need to pay anything?

Unlike other D-Day tours/events with a hefty price tag, Pivot Project works with travel agency partners charging only a flat $200 fee per family to coordinate, reserve, and guide you through the entire, unforgettable trip. This keeps the trip cost below $2,500 per person (compared to a $5,000+ price tag for comparable trips from larger institutions) and includes the cost of flight, car rental, lodging, food, ticket prices, and souvenirs.

We eliminate overhead by directly helping you purchase your own suitable flights, reserve your rental car or coordinate other means of transportation, and secure delightful lodging in vintage local homes at extremely affordable rates. Your chateau awaits!

How will I get there?

We recommend flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and renting a car for the duration of your stay. Keep in mind that many European rental cars are manual, or “stick shift,” so be sure you choose the appropriate vehicle type! Pivot Project can also work with guests to arrange shared travel plans.

What will we be doing?

Participants will receive a curated, customizable agenda of site visits organized by the Pivot Project team. We will work with participants to ensure a deeply personal and meaningful experience!

All organized events are optional, but unforgettable.

Historical Primer

  • “The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies, landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores.”

  • America’s National D-Day Memorial is located in Bedford, VA and was dedicated on June 6, 2001. Bedford, VA was chosen due to the somber distinction of being the “Nation’s highest known per-capita D-Day loss”. The Bedford Boys are commemorated globally to this day with artifacts and history of the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice are housed in the Bedford Boys Tribute Center in Green’s Drugstore.

  • The sacrifices and success of OPERATION OVERLORD established a precedent of multinational allies coming together to maintain a world order for the betterment of all. We the People of many nations must establish and maintain the ideals which young soldiers sacrificed their lives to protect on behalf of the world. The men and women before us came from many walks of life but successfully pivoted from the dire straights of the Great Depression to the victory of the Allied Forces within a single generation.