Bridging Generations. Inspiring Leaders.

From the beaches of Normandy to the hearts of America’s youth—Connecting Generations turns history’s greatest classroom into a living legacy.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

— Nelson MANDELA

CONNECTING GENERATIONS

The Connecting Generations: Class of 44 Initiative is more than education—it is a living bridge between the heroes who defended freedom and the young people who will inherit it. By bringing students and teachers to the very places where history was written, these journeys — earned through their own love and appreciation of the meaning of duty, honor, and country, the founding values that built this great nation — transform remembrance into connection, and history into purpose.

“Bringing students and veterans together on historic battlefields transforms history into living memory, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.”

- Gen. John KELLY, USMC

  • “Many students find visiting the D-Day beaches a powerful, lasting experience that deepens their understanding of World War II and the sacrifices made for freedom.”

    Dr. Earl Bruce HEILMAN, WWII

  • “Standing on the beaches and visiting cemeteries and memorials allows students to connect with the courage and history of the past, fostering a sense of responsibility for the present.”

    Lt. Arthur MEYERS, WWII

  • “Visiting the war cemeteries, like the Normandy American Cemetery with us veterans, helps students comprehend the immense sacrifice made by Allied soldiers.”

    Melvin WALKER, WWII

  • “Encountering different societal norms and seeing how the French honor the memory of the war can foster a greater sense of global citizenship and intercultural understanding.”

    Joseph REILLY, WWII

  • “Hearing firsthand accounts from veterans, when possible, further personalizes the experience and adds a human dimension to the historical narrative.”

    Clayton NATTIER, WWII

“History is not just about the past—it is about instilling in young people a sense of duty, honor, and love of country, so they may carry forward the sacrifices of those who came before.”

- Timothy DAVIS, Founder

Group of children and elderly people gathered on a stage in front of a building decorated with flags and banners for a school or community event.
Group of young people in red shirts standing outdoors, holding a red banner that reads 'USC NAVAL ROTC', with a flag in the center, in a park-like setting with trees and flags in the background.
Group of people gathered inside a room with paintings of veterans on the wall, large window to the right, and a stained glass window on the back wall.
Group photo of young people and two older individuals wearing commemorative jackets and shirts, standing outside a building with beige walls and white window shutters, celebrating a remembrance event.
Group of elderly veterans and supporters gathered outdoors around a memorial, some wearing medals and hats, holding an American flag.
Group of veterans, including military officers in uniform, posing together outdoors on a pathway, some wearing hats with military insignia. The background features a rural landscape with fields and trees.
Group of people standing in front of a World War II bunker with a large artillery cannon.
Large group of people sitting on the steps of a historic building with European architecture, arched windows, and flags flying above the entrance.

“This experience showed me that the legacy of World War II proves freedom and leadership are inseparable—and its lessons still shape who we become.”

- James ROBERTSON, Class of 2023