“WHERE HISTORY BECOMES A LIVING CLASSROOM.”
“Rooted in the legacy of ’44, our program builds courage, gratitude, and civic responsibility—and calls students to carry forward the stories of service that have protected our nation’s freedom.”
The Class of 44
To honor the pivotal events of 1944 and the D-Day landings in Normandy, each participating school selects 44 students to join an immersive, curriculum-connected experience in Normandy, France. Through place-based learning and firsthand accounts, students deepen their understanding of history, strengthen their sense of civic responsibility, and help carry forward the legacy of service and sacrifice.
Anchored in the timeless values of Duty, Honor, and Country…
Anchored in the enduring values of Duty, Honor, and Country, Connecting Generations: Class of ’44 serves as both a historical compass and a moral framework for student learning. Through the personal narratives and consequential choices of World War II, students examine the ethical demands of leadership, service, and sacrifice. In doing so, the program cultivates intellect and empathy alike—encouraging moral courage, responsible citizenship, and a lasting understanding of what it means to serve a purpose greater than oneself.
Teaching the Past, Inspiring the Future.
As the last living witnesses of World War II fade from our lives, the responsibility to preserve their stories grows more urgent. By bringing students to these historic shores, educators help them learn directly from the past—honoring the courage of those who served and turning memory into meaning. The goal is not only to remember what was sacrificed, but to inspire the next generation to value freedom, choose unity, and carry forward the hope of peace.
