The current world champion sand sculptor, John Gowdy, from the United States created a life-size sand sculpture of a soldier landing on Normandy Beach commemorating the 65^th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6^th, 1944.  The 65th tribute, called “Sands of Remembrance,” is sponsored by the White House Commission on Remembrance and co-sponsored by the Embassy of France.  This unique partnership marks the first of its kind to honor America’s fallen.

This tribute also marks the first official recognition honoring the contribution and sacrifice of the 320^th Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion.  The 320^th was an all black unit which saw combat at Omaha and Utah beaches.

The sculpture depicted a soldier on the beach and a monolith with the insignias of the 4^th Infantry, 82^nd Airborne, 101^st Airborne, and 320^th Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion.  As the tide erodes the soldier and monolith, taps will be played, and white roses will be placed in the water as veterans of the 101^st and 82^nd Airborne and the 320^th offer a salute.

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Thanks to Jean-Manuel Costa, Manager of IMC-Normandie for these great photos!