“When students walk the battlefields, they do more than study history—they feel its heartbeat. They witness courage, honor sacrifice, and carry forward the enduring spirit of those who gave everything for freedom.”
- Joe REILLY, WWII
Program Overview
Guided by the principles of honor, courage, and commitment, Connecting Generations transforms historical study into immersive, experiential learning. Students extend their education beyond the classroom to explore the legacy of World War II firsthand—engaging in travel, research, and civic reflection that preserve the voices of veterans. Through this bridge between past and present, participants develop empathy, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to remembrance and responsible citizenship.
Our Core Values
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The Honor
At Connecting Generations, we’re all about helping young people grow into thoughtful, caring leaders. To us, living with honor means being honest, doing what’s right, owning your actions, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. These values help you become the kind of leader who makes a positive difference—in school, in your community, and in life.
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The Courage
Strength of character means having the courage to do what’s right—even when it’s difficult. It’s about being honest, standing up for your beliefs, and treating yourself and others with respect. This kind of inner strength helps you face tough situations, make wise choices, and become a leader others can trust and look up to.
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The Commitment
We believe every young person has the power to grow through dedication and discipline. That means working hard, staying focused, and not giving up—especially when things get tough. When students show this kind of commitment, they not only reach their goals but also learn to honor and remember the brave heroes who protected our freedom.
“We empower students to travel, learn, and share the living history of us World War II veterans—ensuring our legacies will inspire for generations to come.”
— Wilson COLWELL , WWII
Program at a Glance
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Selected schools are invited to join this transformative program, with priority extended to those serving underserved communities. The initiative broadens access to meaningful, hands-on learning in World War II history—empowering students to think critically, engage deeply, and connect the lessons of the past to the responsibilities of the present.
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Through a patriotic and curriculum-based immersion in World War II history, students walk in the footsteps of those who defended freedom—examining strategy, democracy, and the human price of peace. This journey deepens their respect for sacrifice and strengthens their commitment to thoughtful citizenship and lifelong service.
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Educational Travel: Explore Normandy’s battlefields, beaches, and memorials through immersive, place-based learning.
Expert Lectures: Learn from historians, veterans, and military scholars who bring firsthand insight to complex historical events.
Guided Visits: Engage with history on-site while analyzing leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making.
Cross-Generational Mentorship: Connect with veterans and educators to preserve living memory through storytelling and dialogue.
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Comprehensive assistance with application processes, eligibility requirements, travel coordination, and academic preparation provides participating schools and students with a seamless and structured experience. Closely aligned with educational standards and curricular goals, the program enhances instructional depth while fostering meaningful engagement with World War II history and its contemporary relevance.
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History & Social Studies: Strengthens historical literacy through experiential learning and primary-source analysis.
Civics & Citizenship: Demonstrates duty, sacrifice, and democracy in action.
Social-Emotional Learning: Builds empathy, ethical awareness, and resilience.
Leadership & Communication: Develops storytelling, collaboration, and public-speaking skills as students become ambassadors of remembrance.
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Preserve History: Document and amplify veterans’ legacies through education.
Develop Historical Literacy: Deepen understanding through inquiry-based study.
Grow as Civic Leaders: Apply lessons of the past to today’s global challenges.
Cultivate Empathy & Character: Reflect on sacrifice, resilience, and moral choice to guide responsible citizenship.
The Curriculum
Born from the vision of World War II veterans, the Connecting Generations curriculum honors their legacy by transforming experience into education. Through their stories, memories, and lessons, history becomes personal and profound. Students confront the realities of courage and sacrifice while reflecting on the moral choices that shaped freedom itself—emerging with resilience, empathy, and a lifelong devotion to the ideals of democracy and service.
Application Guidelines
To be considered for this sacred honor, each school must be nominated through a student-written letter that demonstrates a deep love of history, respect for veterans, gratitude for the U.S. military, and an unwavering commitment to civic responsibility.
This letter is more than an application—it is a declaration of readiness to inherit and uphold the legacy of those who sacrificed everything for freedom.
Selected schools will be entrusted with a fully funded, once-in-a-lifetime, eight-day academic pilgrimage to Normandy for twenty students and four educators. This journey is more than travel—it is an immersion in living history, where participants will:
Walk in the footsteps of heroes across the historic battlefields of World War II.
Engage in place-based study and reflection at the sites where world history was forever changed.
Pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who secured liberty for generations to come.
All students will return as stewards of remembrance—equipped to share enduring lessons of courage, resilience, and unity with their schools, communities, and the nation.
Investing in the Future of Remembrance
We believe the lessons of history live on through those who study, remember, and act upon them. Connecting Generations brings this belief to life by empowering underserved students to experience the living history of World War II through transformative educational travel, mentorship, and leadership development.
With the generous support of donors, participants gain knowledge, perspective, and purpose—emerging as thoughtful scholars and compassionate citizens prepared to serve their communities and uphold the enduring values of freedom and democracy.
Our Investment
The Connecting Generations program provides a fully supported, curriculum-aligned educational experience that emphasizes historical scholarship and global awareness.
Each participating school receives:
International travel and secure accommodations in Normandy
Pre-departure academic preparation rooted in World War II studies
Experiential learning opportunities through site visits, veteran engagement, and guided reflection
Professional documentation and private transportation to ensure comfort and access
Comprehensive travel insurance providing safety and peace of mind