“A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY UNITING STUDENTS WITH LIVING HISTORY.”

“Strengthening citizenship by supporting students who uphold the values preserved by those who served.”

The Normandy Pilgrimage

The Destination

The pilgrimage to Normandy immerses students in a defining moment of American history, where U.S. forces helped liberate Europe in 1944. Walking the beaches and memorials invites reflection, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the courage and sacrifice that preserved freedom and shaped the modern world.
The Purpose

Through the Connecting Generations program, the Normandy pilgrimage becomes a bridge between past and present. Standing where heroes once fought, students honor their bravery, reflect on their sacrifice, and are inspired to carry forward the enduring values of freedom, peace, and unity for generations to come.
The Experience

This transformative journey offers students profound moments of connection at memorials and historic beaches. Experiencing these sacred sites firsthand fosters gratitude, understanding, and a lifelong commitment to preserving peace, freedom, and the democratic ideals defended by the Allied forces.

Group of World War II soldiers in uniform, wearing helmets, on a boat with military vehicles in the background.

The Curriculum

Developed by World War II veterans, our curriculum brings history to life through firsthand testimony and eyewitness perspective, enabling students to examine the strategies, sacrifices, and human experiences that shaped the Allied fight for freedom. By studying decisive moments and confronting the moral complexities of war, students gain insight into courage, resilience, and the responsibilities of democratic citizenship. This immersive educational experience honors those who served while cultivating a deeper commitment to the ideals they defended—liberty, unity, and the enduring pursuit of peace. It challenges young Americans to recognize their role in safeguarding democracy, to value the freedoms they inherit, and to contribute thoughtfully and honorably to the future of the nation.

A man and woman walking barefoot on a sandy beach, holding hands, with the ocean in the background. The man is wearing a beige cap, sunglasses, a gray jacket with patches, and white rolled-up pants. The woman has blonde hair tied back, and is wearing a black t-shirt, jeans rolled up at the cuffs, and a lanyard around her neck.

The Connection

On the hallowed grounds of Normandy—the greatest classroom in history—students walk the very battlefields where courage and sacrifice reshaped the course of freedom and the fabric of our nation. Here, education becomes an act of remembrance. As students stand where heroes once stood, they gain a deeper, more personal understanding of the immense responsibility carried by those who fought to preserve democracy. Through powerful stories, veteran interviews, primary sources, and immersive projects, learners confront the human cost of liberty and the enduring spirit of those who rose to defend it. By listening to the voices of those who lived these defining moments, students not only absorb historical knowledge but also develop empathy, gratitude, and a profound respect for the values our veterans upheld. Their firsthand testimonies illuminate the challenges, hardships, and triumphs that shaped the world we inherit today.

Transfer of Memories

This experience helps students feel a real love of country—one rooted in our nation’s story, not just in slogans. They learn that freedom isn’t automatic or permanent; it has been earned, defended, and renewed by Americans in every generation. The example of the Greatest Generation reminds us that remembering the past is not about looking backward—it’s about carrying forward the values that hold us together. By honoring their sacrifices, students are encouraged to live those values today: to lead with integrity, protect our democratic institutions, and serve their communities with purpose—so the ideals of liberty, unity, and self-government remain strong for the future.