“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey Uniting WWII Veterans and High School Students.”
Recognizing students and educators who exemplify respect for our nation and uphold the enduring principles preserved by our veterans.
The Normandy Pilgrimage
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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.
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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.
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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.
The Curriculum
Our Class of ’44 curriculum brings history to life through the powerful firsthand accounts of veterans and eyewitnesses. Students step beyond textbooks to engage with the strategies, sacrifices, and human stories that defined the Allied fight for freedom and justice. Through the study of pivotal decisions and the moral challenges of war, learners discover the true meaning of courage, resilience, and the sacred duty of democratic citizenship. This immersive experience not only honors those who served, but also inspires each student to uphold the ideals they defended — liberty, unity, and the enduring pursuit of peace.
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. Through powerful stories, veteran interviews, and immersive projects, they confront the human cost of liberty and the enduring spirit of those who fought to defend it. Listening to the voices of those who lived these defining moments deepens understanding of their challenges, triumphs, and unwavering resolve. Their legacy reminds us that remembrance unites generations—and that by honoring the past, we are inspired to lead with empathy, uphold freedom, and serve with purpose in the present.
